We are all aware of the use of Botox injections by the cosmetologists to ease out wrinkles in aging women, but scientists have now gone a step ahead and are using botulinum toxin type A to help improve movement in youngsters who have the neurological disorder, especially cerebral palsy.

A study has revealed that Botox enhances the benefits gained from occupational therapy and children treated with Botox showed a significantly better improvement in body structure and activities participation at 3 months compared those who did not receive the injection.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, as many as 500,000 Americans have cerebral palsy, and 4,500 babies are diagnosed with the disorder every year. Symptoms vary from person to person, but cerebral palsy generally causes stiff, spastic muscles. Children with severe cases may be unable to walk or control the movement of their limbs.

BBC reports that the Botox shots work by relaxing the tendons in their calves, allowing them to put the feet flat on the ground. The results also appear to last longer than the medication does.

Since the effect of Botox wears off in about three to four months, many of the children were still seeing improvements six to nine months later. Most of them are also called for a follow-up of Botox injections every six months to two years.