Cerebral palsy, or CP, is an umbrella term that refers to multiple diseases and conditions that originate early in life, affect the brain, and primarily cause impairments in motor movements. It is the most common cause of severe physical disability in children, occurring in about 1 in 500 liveborn infants. Cerebral palsy results from any of numerous insults to the brain, including prenatal factors like ingestion of drugs or toxins during pregnancy, prematurity, lack of oxygen/asphyxia at birth, stroke or brain bleed, severe jaundice, sepsis or meningitis, head trauma, and an array of biochemical and genetic influences on brain function. Cerebral palsy is generally referred to according to the distribution of limb weakness and type of tone abnormality. Spastic quadriplegia is tightness and weakness in all four limbs, along with the trunk and face; spastic diplegia affects two limbs at the upper or lower body, generally the legs; spastic hemiplegia is tightness and weakness on one side of the body; ataxic CP affects balance and coordination of movement; and dyskinetic/athetoid CP is characterized by dysregulation of motor tone and movement, causing uncontrollable movement (twisting, writhing, jerking) and irregular posture. About 80% of children with CP have the spastic variety.
Whereas no two children with C.P. are exactly alike, your child may face some or all of the following conditions related to C.P.:
Screening for CP occurs at routine check-ups at CMA, as your pediatrician or nurse practitioner carefully monitors muscle tone and developmental progress throughout infancy and early childhood. The diagnosis of CP may be suspected clinically, based on the history and physical findings, though evaluation for an underlying root cause includes genetic, biochemical, and radiographic tests. Advanced neuroimaging, particularly MRI of the brain, shows abnormalities in 80-90% of children with CP.
Children with cerebral palsy are cared for by an interdisciplinary group of physicians and practitioners, including the pediatrician, geneticist, neurologist, gastroenterologist, urologist, orthopedic surgeon, endocrinologist, pulmonologist, ENT, physiatrist, and psychiatrist. Our shared goal is to accompany you on this journey, support you and your family, provide tools and resources to improve the quality of life of your child, and help create a plan to help your child reach his/her maximum potential. Children with cerebral palsy often benefit from physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/feeding therapy, aquatherapy, hippotherapy (horse assisted), music therapy, visual therapy, behavioral therapy, braces and other assistive devices, acupuncture, massage, aromatherapy etc. Medications often include anticonvulsants to control seizures, antispasmodics to control spasticity, acid blockers to reduce the impact of GERD, nebulized bronchodilators to support respiration, stool softeners and laxatives to promote regular defecation, and sleep aides. Integrative strategies include magnesium to reduce spasticity and constipation, CBD/medical marijuana to reduce spasticity and seizures, and melatonin to promote sleep. Surgical procedures may be offered to release spastic muscles/tendons, repair hip dislocation, and address advanced scoliosis.
Children who live with C.P. and their families face many challenges, and at the same time, know the joy of each milestone achieved. Comprehensive medical management, good nutrition, positive home environment, early intervention with therapies, individualized education plans (IEP), social support, recreational activities and vocational training can significantly affect the quality of life and level of functioning of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. You have our commitment to stand with you every step along the way in caring for your child with C.P.
The following are local and national resources that specialize in the support of children with cerebral palsy and their families:
JAFCO Children’s Ability Center jafco.org 954-215-7033
United Cerebral Palsy ucp.org 954-784-6474
March of Dimes marchofdimes.org 954-772-0013
www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/people-with-disabilities
Social Security Administration ssa.gov 1-800-772-1213
Neuro Network Partners at The Dan Marino Center Weston 954-385-6276
and at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Miami 305-666-6511
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PLANTATION
8430 W. Broward Blvd Ste300
Plantation, FL 33324
(954)-473-8588 (fax)
Mon- Fri. 8 am - 5 pm (Closed for Lunch 12pm-1:30pm)
Saturday 8 am - 12 pm
Sunday Morning Urgent Hours Available For Coral Springs, Only After 8 am
TAMARAC
7489 North University Drive
Tamarac, FL 33321
(954)-722-4888 (fax)
Mon- Fri. 8 am - 5 pm ( Closed for Lunch 12pm-1:30pm)
Saturday 8 am - 12pm
Sunday Morning Urgent Hours Available For Coral Springs, Only after 8 am
CORAL SPRINGS
5697 Coral Ridge Dr.
Coral Springs, FL 33076
(954) 510-4800 (fax)
Mon- Fri. 8 am - 5 pm (Closed for Lunch 12pm-1:30pm)
Saturday 8 am - 12pm
Sunday Morning Urgent Hours Available For Coral Springs, Only After 8 am
Miramar
1951 SW 172nd Avenue Ste 200
Miramar, FL 33029
(954) 722-4888 (fax)
Mon & Fri. 8 am - 12pm
Saturday 8 am - 12pm
Sunday Morning Urgent Hours Available For Coral Springs, Only After 8 am
PLANTATION
8430 West Broward Blvd Ste 300
Plantation, FL 33324
(954)-473-8588 (fax)
Monday- Friday
8 am - 5 pm
(Closed for Lunch 12pm-1:30pm)
Saturday
8 am - 12 pm
Sunday & Holidays
Morning Urgent Hours Available For Coral Springs, Only After 8 am
TAMARAC
7489 North University Drive
Tamarac, FL 33321
(954)-722-4888 (fax)
Monday - Friday
8 am - 5 pm
(Closed for Lunch 12pm-1:30pm)
Saturday
8 am - 12pm
Sundays & Holidays
Morning Urgent Hours Available For Coral Springs, Only After 8 am
CORAL SPRINGS
5697 Coral Ridge Dr.
Coral Springs, FL 33076
(954) 510-4800 (fax)
Monday- Friday
8 am - 5 pm
(Closed for Lunch 12pm-1:30pm)
Saturday
8 am - 12pm
Sundays & Holidays
Morning Urgent Hours Available For Coral Springs, Only After 8 am
Miramar
1951 SW 172nd Avenue Ste 200
Miramar, FL 33029
(954) 722-4888 (fax)
Monday & Friday
8 am - 12pm
Saturday
8 am - 12pm
Sundays & Holidays
Morning Urgent Hours Available For Coral Springs, Only After 8 am
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