Cerebral Palsy (cont.)

Medical Author:

Boosara Ratanawongsa, MD

Coauthor:

Kathryn L Hale, MS, PA-C

Medical Editor:

Neil A Busis, MD

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Carmel Armon, MD, MHS, MSc

Operations used in the treatment of cerebral palsy include the following.

Dorsal rhizotomy: In this procedure, a few specific nerves are cut at their roots where they branch off the spinal cord. In certain individuals with cerebral palsy, this works very well to reduce spasticity and improve the ability to sit, stand, and walk.
Implantation of a baclofen pump: The muscle relaxant drug baclofen can be very helpful in reducing spasticity in some people with cerebral palsy, but it works best when it is given continuously. A tiny pump can be placed in the abdominal wall to deliver a continuous dose to the spastic muscles of the limbs.
Stereotactic surgery to a part of the brain that controls muscle tone and movement may improve rigidity, athetosis, and tremor.
Reconstructive surgery to an arm can restore muscle balance, release contractures, and stabilize joints. This can improve placement of the hand in space and the important ability to grasp, release, and pinch.
Skeletal problems such as hip dislocation and scoliosis can be corrected with surgery.
Severe spasticity can be corrected with a number of surgical procedures, including tenotomy, a tendon-lengthening procedure.