All posts tagged: cerebral palsy

How Is Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed?

How Is Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed?

Cerebral palsy is a complex neurological condition that affects movement, muscle tone, and posture, often resulting from damage to the developing brain before birth. One of the most crucial questions for parents and caregivers is, ‘How is cerebral palsy diagnosed?’ Understanding the diagnostic process is essential, as early detection can significantly impact the management and treatment of the condition. This guide delves into the diagnostic process, highlighting key aspects and offering insights into the journey towards an accurate diagnosis.

At Children’s Cerebral Palsy, we are dedicated to providing specialty surgical care for children with this condition. As experts in the field, we recognize the profound difference an early and accurate diagnosis can make in the lives of children affected by this condition.

The Journey to Diagnosis

The journey to diagnosing cerebral palsy can often be a multifaceted process. It typically involves a series of different assessments, each designed to evaluate specific aspects of a child’s physical and cognitive development. This journey is critical because it sets the stage for developing a customized treatment plan catered to the child’s individual needs.

Recognizing Early Signs

Parents and pediatricians play a vital role in identifying early signs of cerebral palsy. As parents, knowing the key milestones for physical and cognitive development can help detect any delays or impairments that may indicate a potential diagnosis. On the other hand, pediatricians are trained to recognize red flags and refer the child for further evaluations if necessary. Early signs of cerebral palsy may include:

  • Delays in reaching milestones, such as crawling, walking, sitting or speaking
  • Persistent asymmetry in movement or muscle tone
  • Difficulty with coordination and balance
  • Poor fine motor skills, including difficulty grasping objects or drawing
  • Muscle tightening or abnormal reflexes
  • Difficulty with feeding or swallowing

As your child grows, these early signs of cerebral palsy may become worse. Depending on how these symptoms manifest themselves will determine the type of treatment your child will need. 

Importance of Pediatrician Evaluations

Regular check-ups with a pediatrician are essential. During these visits, doctors assess the child’s development, looking for any deviations from typical growth patterns. Pediatricians may conduct physical and neurological exams, review medical history, and ask for parental observations. Based on their findings, they may refer the child to a specialist or order other tests such as MRI, CT scan, or genetic testing. There is no specific test that can identify cerebral palsy. Instead, these evaluations are used to rule out any other conditions your child may have. 

Diagnostic Tests and Assessments

Once early signs of cerebral palsy have been observed; the diagnostic journey switches gears toward a series of tests and assessments. These comprehensive procedures are designed to rule out any other underlying conditions, offering a deeper understanding of the child’s condition and paving the way to a tailored treatment plan. This in-depth exploration utilizes cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques and thorough developmental and motor assessments, taking into consideration the child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. There are several types of cerebral palsy, and these tests and assessments may help determine the type your child may have.

Neuroimaging Techniques

Neuroimaging techniques like MRI and CT scans can offer crucial insights into a child’s brain structure and function. Additionally, cranial ultrasounds are often used in premature infants. These ultrasounds are less detailed than MRIs but are still valuable, especially in early life. These non-invasive scans provide detailed images of the brain and help identify any potential abnormalities or damage that may have led to cerebral palsy. It is important to note that neuroimaging cannot determine the severity of cerebral palsy in children.

Developmental and Motor Assessments

Developmental and motor assessments are crucial to understanding how cerebral palsy impacts a child’s daily life. These assessments evaluate muscle tone, reflexes, coordination, balance, and speech. Specialized healthcare professionals use standardized tests to compare the child’s abilities with those of children of similar age. These assessments provide valuable insights into a child’s strengths and weaknesses, helping develop an individualized treatment plan.

The Role of Early Intervention

Early detection and diagnosis of cerebral palsy are essential for optimal treatment outcomes. Early intervention programs, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medication, or surgery, can substantially improve a child’s overall development. These interventions aim to lessen the severity of symptoms and help children overcome challenges and reach their full potential. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the sooner interventions can begin, providing the best possible outcome.

Benefits of a Multidisciplinary Approach

When it comes to cerebral palsy, a multidisciplinary approach is critical for successful management and treatment. A team of healthcare professionals, including pediatricians, neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and orthopedic surgeons, collaborate to provide holistic care. This approach ensures all aspects of the child’s development are considered, resulting in a comprehensive treatment plan.

Importance of Family Support and Education

Educating families and caregivers about cerebral palsy is essential. Support groups and resources provided by organizations like Children’s Cerebral Palsy offer invaluable assistance. Families often have many questions about their child’s diagnosis, treatment options, and long-term outcomes. By providing education and support, families can better understand the condition and actively participate in their child’s care. This holistic approach not only improves a child’s physical well-being but also supports their emotional well-being by reducing stress levels for both the child and their loved ones.

Empower Your Child’s Future – Contact Children’s Cerebral Palsy

Empowering your child’s future begins with understanding how cerebral palsy is diagnosed and taking action. We encourage you to schedule a visit with Children’s Cerebral Palsy. We are committed to providing comprehensive, specialized care tailored to your child’s needs. Children’s Cerebral Palsy guides you through the diagnostic process and stands with you on the journey to creating the best possible future for your child. Don’t wait to take the first crucial step. Let’s work together towards a brighter tomorrow. Schedule a visit today.

 

December 20, 2023
How Is Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed?
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Cerebral Palsy Patient Finishes Marathon During Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

Cerebral Palsy Patient Finishes Marathon During Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

A 32-year-old man from Spain who has faced a lifelong battle with Cerebral Palsy finished the Barcelona Marathon during Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month and completed an improbable but inspiring feat.

Alex Roca of Catalonia, Spain, finished the race on March 19, completing it in 5:50:51 and fulfilling a lifelong dream.

At sixth months old, Roca contracted herpetic viral encephalitis, which led to a severe case of Cerebral Palsy, which causes impaired movement and exaggerated reflexes, reducing the range of motion at various joints due to muscle stiffness.

But Roca, who completed seven half marathons before his first full marathon, did not let that stop him from completing the race. He offered an inspirational message after the race.

“The limit is up to you, and if you want to achieve an objective, whatever difficulties you have, with attitude, willpower, perseverance and resilience, you can achieve everything you propose,” he said. “And if you do not achieve it, you will have given everything and must feel gratified.”

Roca is a sponsored Nike Athlete, and the clothing brand offered its congratulations in an Instagram post.

“Alex set himself to accomplish a world-class breakthrough: Finishing a marathon with 76% physical disability and Cerebral palsy. Now, he has just achieved that milestone. It’s time to enjoy it, but new goals will show up sooner rather than later,” Nike said.

March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

During Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month Dr. David Siambanes, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, said that there is hope for children with Cerebral Palsy.

“I have seen children gain the motivation to walk at a later age. As the child grows, the results of the condition become more apparent providing clarity and accuracy in answering these important questions,” he said, “With routine multi-specialty assessments, the parents will obtain knowledge on how the condition affects their child. This knowledge along with the necessary treatment intervention that often is required will result in the optimal care and functional development of their child.”

For more information on procedures to treat Cerebral Palsy, or to contact Dr. Siambanes, please click here.

 

March 20, 2023
Cerebral Palsy Patient Finishes Marathon During Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month
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Dr. David Siambanes on Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

Dr. David Siambanes on Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month

 

March is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, and Dr. David Siambanes is sharing a message of hope and optimism for children battling Cerebral Palsy.

 

“The parents of a child recently diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy are often devastated,” Siambanes says. “How and why is the first question that arises.”
He continued:
Cerebral Palsy is a broad term describing a movement, tone, and posture disorder, usually due to a condition in the brain. While a clear source may exist, such as prematurity, genetic conditions or failure of brain development, the source is sometimes unknown.
Diagnosing a child with cerebral palsy is also often difficult as there is no definitive test. Thus, we rely on clinical findings and the lack of functional development as early signs of the condition. Additionally, determining what this diagnosis means to your child specifically can be challenging early on as there exists a wide spectrum of severity within this diagnosis. A child with cerebral palsy may develop a mild degree of toe walking, and others may not ambulate and can develop spinal and hip deformities. Will my child walk? Have a learning disability? Require surgery?

“A general rule is if a child is unable to sit unsupported by two years of age or walk by seven, he or she will be unlikely to do so,” said Siambanes.

However, with proper treatment, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic during this Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. Dr. David Siambanes says:

I have seen children gain the motivation to walk at a later age. As the child grows, the results of the condition become more apparent providing clarity and accuracy in answering these important questions. With routine multi-specialty assessments, the parents will obtain knowledge on how the condition affects their child. This knowledge, along with the necessary treatment intervention that often is required, will result in the optimal care and functional development of their child. 
For more information on procedures to treat Cerebral Palsy or to contact Dr. Siambanes, please click here.
March 2, 2023
Dr. David Siambanes on Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month
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Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors, and when to be concerned for your infant

Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors, and when to be concerned for your infant

 

In the first year of an infant’s life, it is critical to be on the lookout for Cerebral Palsy risk factors in your child.

There are many Cerebral Palsy risk factors that can contribute the condition, particularly during pregnancy and at birth, and those whose pregnancies are complicated by such factors should be especially aware of warning signs.

Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors:

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a small percentage of Cerebral Palsy cases result from injuries sustained 28 days after birth. Those cases have been attributed to brain infections like meningitis, suffering serious head injuries.

When to be concerned:

The CDC breaks down early warning signs of Cerebral Palsy for various ages.

In a baby 3 to 6 months of age:

  • Head falls back when picked up while lying on back
  • Feels stiff
  • Feels floppy
  • Seems to overextend back and neck when cradled in someone’s arms
  • Legs get stiff and cross or scissor when picked up

In a baby older than 6 months of age:

  • Doesn’t roll over in either direction
  • Cannot bring hands together
  • Has difficulty bringing hands to mouth
  • Reaches out with only one hand while keeping the other fisted

In a baby older than 10 months of age: 

  • Crawls in a lopsided manner, pushing off with one hand and leg while dragging the opposite hand and leg
  • Scoots around on buttocks or hops on knees, but does not crawl on all four

If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Dr. David Siambanes, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, is fellowship trained in both pediatric orthopedics and spinal deformities, who treats children suffering from Cerebral Palsy.

For more information on procedures to treat Cerebral Palsy, or to contact Dr. Siambanes, please click here.

February 17, 2023
Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors, and when to be concerned for your infant
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Enjoying The Winter Season With Cerebral Palsy

Enjoying The Winter Season With Cerebral Palsy

With today marking the beginning of the winter season, much of the country has experienced significant drops in temperatures. Although most experience only minor inconveniences, many children with cerebral palsy must endure increased limitations, including seclusion, illnesses and bodily discomfort. With that, Children’s Cerebral Palsy is sharing different ways that children living with CP can keep warm, avoid unnecessary discomfort, and enjoy the winter season.

The first concern to address is whether or not your child is appropriately clothed for colder weather. Choose clothing that can be easily donned or taken off. Colder temperatures can lead to stiff muscles and increased soreness, which will mean less comfortable nights of sleep. Consider purchasing an electric blanket for your child to sleep with at night.

Between the drop in temperatures and enforcement of the most recent COVID-19 mandates, this can mean a lot more time at home for all kids, especially those with a disability. For children with physical limitations, this time can be extremely isolating. To help quell the boredom during these times, parents should look to plan indoor activities for their child with CP, such as cooking, crafting, gaming and other activities that focus on building muscle strength and coordination. 

Decreasing temperatures bring inevitable winter illnesses. This can be more costly when dealing with compromised immune systems or other health disorders. Ensuring your child’s medical records are up to date and listing the different medications your child takes is helpful in emergency medical situations, especially if you are traveling and can’t see your child’s primary care physician. 

Lastly, cold weather can cause your child with cerebral palsy severe discomfort through further stiffness of muscles and joints, cramping, aching and more. Depending on the symptoms, additional medical action may need to be taken. Because every case of cerebral palsy is different, it’s important for parents to be observant of their child’s symptoms. Designate time to speak with your child’s doctor about anything you’ve noticed and possible treatments or solutions to help mitigate discomfort. 

The winter season can be tough for children with cerebral palsy, but going the extra mile to ensure your child is prepared is of paramount importance. In addition to the suggestions listed above, parents should talk with their child about their winter experiences and what can be done to help improve them. If you have immediate questions or concerns about preparing your child with CP for the winter season, contact Children’s Cerebral Palsy today.

December 21, 2021 ,
Enjoying The Winter Season With Cerebral Palsy
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Staying Active With Cerebral Palsy

Staying Active With Cerebral Palsy

Exercise regimens are extremely important for a child’s wellbeing, including for those with cerebral palsy. Although certain activities can be difficult for children with cerebral palsy, experts at Children’s Cerebral Palsy offer various activities to help kids with CP stay active. 

“It’s important for children with CP to stay active and keep moving, as this can help maintain mobility and movement for as long as possible,” said Dr. David Siambanes, a board-certified and fellowship-trained spine surgeon and founder of Children’s Cerebral Palsy. “Through innovative activities and adaptive sports, parents can help maintain their child’s mobility and health while also having fun.”

To help improve movement and overall health, Dr. Siambanes suggests giving the following exercises and activities a try for children living with CP:

    • Hydrotherapy. Exercising in water is great for children with CP because it puts less stress on muscles and joints, as well as decreases a person’s body weight by 90 percent. This allows for a wider range of motion and improves cardiovascular conditioning since the heart pumps more blood per beat when the body is submerged in water.
    • Painting. To help people with CP strengthen their motor skills, painting is a great option. Not only will working fine motor skills help them be more precise and accurate in their movements, but painting helps children with CP focus on the art they’re creating rather than the energy they’re expending.
    • Adaptive sports. For children with CP unable to participate in traditional forms of popular games and sports, adapting these activities to meet their capabilities is a perfect way to build physical strength and self-esteem. Find a sport your child is interested in and consider ways to alter the rules or goals so they can participate fully. Check out CP Sport for a list of guidelines and resources for adapting particular sports.
    • Dancing. No matter your child’s condition or movement limitations, everyone can dance to music. Dance and rhythmic auditory stimulation benefits body functions like balance, gait, walking, and cardiorespiratory fitness for individuals with cerebral palsy.
    • Photography. Photography is a great activity that stimulates many different parts of the brain. It can help kids with cerebral palsy develop spatial awareness, express themselves creatively, and gain an appreciation for the outdoors. Additionally, learning to hold, point and shoot a camera can help further develop fine motor skills. 

Because all cases of CP are not the same, it’s best to take into consideration your child’s capabilities and strengths when deciding what activity to participate in. If you have questions about what activity is most appropriate, consult with your child’s primary care provider. If you have additional questions about how to keep your child with CP healthy and active, contact Children’s Cerebral Palsy today.

November 27, 2021 ,
Staying Active With Cerebral Palsy
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Tampa spine surgeon shares cerebral palsy pain management tips

Tampa spine surgeon shares cerebral palsy pain management tips

Dr. David Siambanes, director of the Children’s Scoliosis Center at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and founder of Children’s Cerebral Palsy, is educating parents of children living with cerebral palsy (CP) on effective pain management tips and various techniques and approaches for alleviating the pain associated with CP.

Before we dive into pain management tips for cerebral palsy, it is best to know what the condition is. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture and is the most common motor disability in childhood. CP impacts a child’s ability to control their muscles, oftentimes causing pain and discomfort for the approximately 800,000 people living with CP across the U.S.

“Alleviating pain in children can have positive physical and mental impacts during critical years of development,” said Siambanes, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who is fellowship-trained in both pediatric orthopedics and spinal deformities. “We want parents to know there are a number of different options short of surgery that can ease your child’s pain and provide an opportunity to live a more comfortable life.”

Siambanes says children with minimum pain or discomfort can relieve their symptoms by enrolling in physical and occupational therapy sessions, where a child can engage in various stretches and exercise regimens intended to improve muscle and joint flexibility. In some cases, a child with CP may have the option to be fitted with orthoses or braces designed to help support weakened muscles.

Some children with CP experience a moderate level of pain. Parents in search of a solution can turn to non- or minimally-invasive treatment options, including radiofrequency, neuromodulation or nerve ablation to target pain receptors, implanting a stimulator on the spinal cord to alter a child’s pain receptors, or injecting Botox into areas experiencing frequent muscle spasms to help numb the pain.

While surgery is considered a last resort for CP pain management, it is sometimes the only option available for children experiencing severe levels of pain. In these cases, surgical procedures generally fall into three categories:

  • Orthopaedic surgery – This procedure is recommended for children with spastic CP. Orthopaedic surgeons can increase the length of tendons and muscles in a person’s legs to make walking and moving less painful.
  • Spinal fusion – Spinal fusion procedures permanently connect two or more vertebrae, eliminating motion between them and providing stability. Spinal fusion involves techniques designed to mimic the normal healing process of broken bones and can improve a child’s organ function as they grow.
  • Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy – Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) is a surgery done on the lower spinal cord to reduce spasticity in the legs. Certain abnormal nerve fibers that cause high muscle tone are cut. This allows the muscles to relax by identifying and sectioning only the nerve fibers that contribute to spasticity.

The most appropriate treatment depends on different factors, including a child’s stage of development and form of CP. Siambanes advises parents of children living with CP to consult their pediatric physician to determine the right option for managing their pain. If you’re a parent of a child with cerebral palsy and have questions, visit our Contact page to get in touch.

September 20, 2021
Tampa spine surgeon shares cerebral palsy pain management tips
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About Dr. Siambanes

Dr. Siambanes, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, is fellowship trained in both pediatric orthopedics and spinal deformities. His passion for addressing the needs of disabled children has led to his expertise in the treatment of Cerebral Palsy.

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Helping Children & Families

  • I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Siambanes to see if my daughter was a candidate for scoliosis surgery. The results following her surgery were fantastic! She flew through surgery and came home only 4 days after! She now sits up straight, her incision has healed beautifully and there were no complications. I cannot express my gratitude to Dr. Siambanes for the amazing surgery he performed on my daughter. He alone took her on when no one else would touch her and now her life has been prolonged and she has a much better quality of life.

    Mrs. Wakizaka

  • We would like to thank you for all you have done for our granddaughter. Not to very long ago things were not looking very good for Alyssa. That has all changed because of you. You have given her back her future. Thank you so very much. God bless you and keep you.

    Mr. & Mrs. Wajenhurst

  • As a parent, hearing your child needs corrective surgery that includes placing rods and screws in the body, a five day hospital stay and three weeks of recovery can be overwhelming to say the least. Dr. Siambanes and his wonderful staff eased 100% of the stress and worry while making what was in my mind a harrowing ordeal equal to an afternoon visit to the dentist. The hospital staff was attentive and eager to help in anyway possible. My son’s recovery has gone so well and he has healed so quickly, family and friends are amazed he even had surgery.

    Mrs. McKinnon