Botulinum toxin ("Botox") type A may reduce spasticity a few months at a time and has frequently been considered a beneficial treatment for children with SHCP and other forms of CP. Botox has been shown to be especially beneficial to reducing spasticity in the gastrocnemius (calf) muscle. This therapy can improve range of motion, reduce deformity, improve response to occupational and physical therapy, and delay the need for surgery. Botulinum toxin type A injections have also shown advantages for upper extremities. There is still some doubt about its use to improve upper limb function as it may induce muscle weakness temporary. Casting and occupational therapy used in conjunction with Botox injections, may be an additional option for better results. Research is constantly investing in new improvements and more experimental therapy and treatment. Epidemiology
The incidence of cerebral palsy has increased in the past 40 years. It has been estimated that in the United States cerebral palsy occurs in 4 out every 1000 births. Of these births about 20–30% of them have spastic hemiplegia. Spasticity overall, is the more common type of cerebral palsy, whereas non-spastic cerebral palsy is less common. Studies show that spastic cerebral palsy is on the rise, and the occurrence of diplegia type is decreasing. The prevalence of cerebral palsy is higher in areas of low socioeconomic status. This could potentially be because cerebral palsy incidence increases as birth weight decreases. == References ==
Dietary supplements, though widely used, are not considered a healthy option for weight loss, and have no clinical evidence of efficacy. Herbal products have not been shown to be effective.In 2008, between US$33 billion and $55 billion was spent annually in the US on weight-loss products and services, including medical procedures and pharmaceuticals, with weight-loss centers taking between 6 and 12 percent of total annual expenditure. Over $1.6 billion per year was spent on weight-loss supplements. About 70 percent of Americans dieting attempts are of a self-help nature.In Western Europe, sales of weight-loss products, excluding prescription medications, topped €1,25 billion (£900 million/$1.4 billion) in 2009.The scientific soundness of commercial diets by commercial weight management organizations varies widely, being previously non-evidence-based, so there is only limited evidence supporting their use, because of high attrition rates. Commercial diets result in modest weight loss in the long term, with similar results regardless of the brand, and similarly to non-commercial diets and standard care. Comprehensive diet programs, providing counseling and targets for calorie intake, are more efficient than dieting without guidance ("self-help"), although the evidence is very limited. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence devised a set of essential criteria to be met by commercial weight management organizations to be approved. Unintentional
Characteristics
Unintentional weight loss may result from loss of body fats, loss of body fluids, muscle atrophy, or a combination of these.