Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders that affect movement, coordination, and muscle tone or posture. Those afflicted have problems that may include:

  • Muscles that are either too stiff or too flaccid
  • Spasticity (exaggerated reflexes)
  • Rigidity (stiff muscles with normal reflexes)
  • A lack of balance and muscle coordination
  • Tremors or involuntary movements
  • Slow, writhing movements
  • Delays in motor skills
  • Difficulty walking, eating, swallowing, and speaking
  • Seizures

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain as it develops, usually before birth with signs and symptoms that start to appear during infancy or preschool years.

Areas of damage or abnormal development in the brain can be detected with the use of imaging technologies such an MRI scan, a cranial ultrasound, or electroencephalogram (EEG)

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Treatment for Cerebral Palsy in Southeast Michigan

Treatments for cerebral palsy include medications that treat pain, reduce muscle tightness to improve functional ability, and manage spasticity; muscle or nerve injections; oral muscle relaxants; and occupational, recreational, speech, language, and physical therapy. Orthopedic surgery and selective dorsal rhizotomy (cutting nerves that serve spastic muscles) are also treatment options.

At Associates in Neurology, our experienced and highly trained specialists have the skills and advanced technology to diagnose cerebral palsy and provide long-term treatment aimed at improving strength, flexibility, balance, motor development, and mobility.

To learn more, contact us today at (248) 478-5512 and schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations in the greater Detroit area. You can also use our secure, online Request form to set up your consultation.