CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Cerebral palsy
MUSCLE CONTROL AND MOVEMENT PROBLEMS AFTER A BRAIN INJURY
If your child is showing symptoms of cerebral palsy our neurological and paediatric experts can help to treat them
What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy encompasses a group of conditions. These relate to problems with muscle control and movement. They are the result of an injury to the brain before, during or after birth. There are a range of treatments available to help your child's development.
Need to know
Symptoms of cerebral palsy aren't immediately obvious in a newborn baby. They become clearer during the toddler stage of development. These include:
- delay in development such as sitting and walking
- unnatural stiffness or floppiness
- weak arms and/or legs
- clumsy and uncontrolled movements
- muscle spasms
Your child's consultant will discuss their symptoms with you to help make a diagnosis. They may discuss your child's medical history and development. Tests they may then carry out can include:
- brain scans (MRI or CT)
- electroencephalogram (EEG)
- small pads are placed on your child's scalp to assess brain activity
- electromyogram (EMG)
- blood tests
Your child's consultant will discuss treatment options available. These may include:
- Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). This is a surgical operation available to children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. It's purpose is to improve their walking ability. SDR is possible for children between the age of four and twelve .
- Removable hand splints to help support muscles and joints - Injections to treat and relax muscles.
- Temporary casting to hold muscles in place.
- Phyisotherapy seeks to promote movement, build strength and muscles.
- Speech therapy.
- Various medication may be advised to help muscle stiffness, and everyday issues such as sleeping.
Our locations
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.