Cerebral Palsy

WHAT IS CEREBRAL PALSY?

Cerebral palsy is the term used to describe a group of neurological disorders that affect the part of the brain that controls muscle movement. It is the leading cause of childhood disabilities, affecting 3.3 children per 1,000.* Cerebral palsy is caused by damage or abnormalities to a child’s developing brain, which, in turn, disrupts the brain’s ability to control movement and maintain posture and balance.

Cerebral palsy doesn’t always cause extreme disabilities – it will vary from one child to another.

*According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Symptoms

Children with cerebral palsy typically begin displaying symptoms in infancy or early childhood. These symptoms include:

Weakness in one or more extremities
Tremors or random involuntary movements
Difficulty with movements like tying shoes or buttoning shirts
Delays in reaching motor skill milestones
Lack of general muscle coordination
Spastic movements or exaggerated reflexes
Crouched or “scissored” gait
Walking on toes
Excessive drooling
Difficulty swallowing or speaking

Treatment

There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but a child’s capabilities can improve through a combination of medication and therapies.

Some types of surgery can improve symptoms of cerebral palsy, especially for those children who suffer from severe spasticity and stiffness that make walking and moving difficult or painful.

At BSSNY, we are experts in the surgical procedures designed to help children with cerebral palsy live healthier lives.

Orthopedic Surgery

We can perform this type of surgery to lengthen muscles and tendons that are proportionately too short due to severe contractions in order to improve mobility and lessen pain. The procedures may also make it easier to use a walker, braces, or crutches. In addition, children with severe contractures or deformities may need surgery on bones or joints to place their arms, hips, or legs in their correct positions.

Surgery to cut nerves

In some severe cases where other treatments haven’t helped, we may suggest selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) – a procedure where overactivated nerves at the base of the spinal column are selectively severed. This procedure is commonly used to relax muscles and reduce chronic pain in the upper and lower limbs.