Who works with cerebral palsy?
Mayo Clinic neurologists, pediatric neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, as well as other health care professionals work together to diagnose and treat children and adults with cerebral palsy.
Is cerebral palsy an orthopedic condition?
Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that primarily affects movement. This means that orthopedic health—the health of joints, tendons, bones, and muscles—is affected in children with cerebral palsy.
Can a child with cerebral palsy learn to walk?
Yes, many people with cerebral palsy can walk! In fact, over half of all individuals with cerebral palsy can walk on their own without mobility aids like walkers or crutches. Cerebral palsy can range from mild to severe and affect various regions of the body.
Can someone with cerebral palsy live on their own?
Transitioning to Adulthood with Cognitive Issues and Immobility. Not all children with cerebral palsy will have the ability to live independently or earn money on their own. Sometimes cognitive or emotional issues limit people with cerebral palsy from becoming independent and finding gainful employment.
Does cerebral palsy qualify for disability?
Adults with cerebral palsy may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI, which is only for those who paid taxes into the Social Security system, or in some cases for those whose spouses paid into the system) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI, which is for low-income people).
What is a common surgery for cerebral palsy?
Orthopedic Surgery. The most common type of surgery that children with cerebral palsy undergo is orthopedic surgery. This refers to procedures that address the musculoskeletal system. Children with cerebral palsy can attribute most of their symptoms and challenges to problems with muscles, joints, and bones.
Does cerebral palsy get worse as you age?
Cerebral palsy and adulthood explained Cerebral palsy is a “non-progressive” disorder. This means that as children get older, their CP will not worsen. While an individual’s cerebral palsy will not decline as they get older, there are a few things that can impact their overall health and wellness.
What is orthopedic surgery for cerebral palsy?
Orthopedic Surgery for Cerebral Palsy. Doctors may recommend orthopedic surgery to lengthen tendons or correct the alignment of bones to improve a child’s ability to sit, stand, and walk. There are a variety of possible surgical procedures to accomplish this.
Can you get surgery to fix cerebral palsy?
Surgery is one of the many options available to help children with cerebral palsy improve mobility, posture and ensure healthy growth. Most doctors recommend physical therapy and medication before surgery. Surgery can correct or improve movement and alignment in the legs, ankles, feet, hips, wrists and arms.
Why is an orthopedic specialist important for cerebral palsy?
Orthopedic specialists, including surgeons, are important as part of an overall cerebral palsy medical team and life care plan. An orthopedic specialist can diagnose conditions in a child with cerebral palsy and determine the severity and how that condition will affect the child as he or she grows.
Who treats cerebral palsy at Mayo Clinic?
Your Mayo Clinic care team. Mayo Clinic neurologists, pediatric neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, speech therapists, and other health care professionals work together to diagnose and treat children and adults with cerebral palsy.
What are the orthopedic health concerns of children with cerebral palsy?
Hip dysplasia is another orthopedic health concern for children with cerebral palsy and it is characterized by a deformity of the hip joint. This often occurs as a result of either over- or under-toned muscles around the hip that cause the joints to become misaligned.
Where can I get help for cerebral palsy?
Research. Mayo Clinic doctors study potential diagnosis and treatment options for cerebral palsy and conduct active research into diagnostic methods and treatment therapies. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery.