Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that causes problems with muscle function, coordination and balance. Mary Bridge Children’s offers a full team of specialists to diagnose and treat cerebral palsy.
We know that living with cerebral palsy can be difficult for children and families. Our treatment teams include board-certified pediatric neurologists, therapy professionals and nurse navigators working to improve your child’s quality of life.
What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy affects the area of the brain responsible for muscle movement. Risk factors include early head injuries or brain damage, low birth weight and premature birth.
Common symptoms of cerebral palsy include:
- Lack of coordination
- Stiff or floppy muscles
- Spasticity or jerking movements
- Abnormal gait or walk
- Crouched posture
Not all children with cerebral palsy have profound disabilities, and symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Cerebral palsy does not necessarily affect a child’s intellectual abilities and overall academic performance.
Related neurological conditions
Our expert team is experienced treating a wide range of neurological disorders. Other neurological conditions that may occur with cerebral palsy include:
- Epilepsy or seizures
- Problems with bladder and bowel control
- Hearing loss and vision impairment
Diagnosing cerebral palsy
Your child’s regular checkups between 9 and 30 months should include monitoring for developmental delays. If your pediatrician suspects a developmental delay, they should refer your child for further evaluation.
Our board-certified pediatric neurologists have significant expertise in diagnosing cerebral palsy. We provide a complete developmental evaluation of your child, also performing additional tests to investigate the cause of cerebral palsy. These tests may include:
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Computerized tomography (CT) scan
This procedure combines X-rays with computer technology to create detailed images of internal structures. During the scan, your child will need to lie on a small table that slides through a large doughnut-shaped machine.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
This type of scan uses radio waves and powerful magnets to create detailed images of bones and tissue. For an MRI, your child will lie on a small table that slides into a tunnel-shaped machine. An MRI takes approximately 40 minutes, possibly longer when a child requires sedation. We have technology available so your child can watch a movie during the MRI.
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Electroencephalogram (EEG)
An EEG measures brain activity with small electrodes (discs) placed on the scalp. We offer inpatient and outpatient EEG testing, as well as in-home or ambulatory EEG to make testing easier for your child. Outpatient EEG takes just one to two hours, with inpatient EEG lasting up to 24 hours. For longer tests, we can outfit your child with portable EEG equipment for in-home testing.
We have child life specialists available to explain procedures in child-friendly language and a sedation services team to help your child feel comfortable during any tests. Learn more about diagnosis and testing.
Cerebral palsy treatment
Early treatment improves the chances of children overcoming or learning to cope with developmental disabilities. Our team is here to help ensure the best possible outcome for your child.
Treatments and support services include:
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Medication management
Prescription drugs to relieve muscle stiffness such as Gablofen® (baclofen) and Botox® (onabotulinumtoxinA) can improve function in children with cerebral palsy.
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Pediatric rehabilitation
Our Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Medicine team helps children with disabilities achieve their highest level of functioning. Mary Bridge Children’s also provides physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy experts to help improve your child’s skills and abilities.
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Assistive technology
Assistive technology specialists at Mary Bridge Children’s ensure your child has necessary equipment such as braces, wheelchairs, walkers and communication devices.
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Complex primary care
The Complex Primary Care team helps coordinate services such as home care, rehab and equipment specialists for children with disabilities.
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School accommodations
Our team works with your child’s school to manage issues and ensure appropriate accommodations are in place.
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Respite care
We can point you to resources outside Mary Bridge Children’s that provide respite care, which give parents a break from the stress of caring for a high-needs child.
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Adult care services
Depending on your child’s needs, we can connect you with local resources to help ease the transition to adult services.
Contact us
For more information about neurology care at Mary Bridge Children’s, please call 253-792-6630.