If your child has been diagnosed with spastic diplegia - a condition that affects 25% of children with cerebral palsy - they may find it difficult to walk due to stiffness in their legs. Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) - a specialist spinal cord procedure - can help. This operation is followed by physiotherapy and will be monitored for up to two years to increase the effectiveness of the operation.
Cerebral palsy
If your child is showing symptoms of cerebral palsy, they will be affected by muscle disorder and movement problems. Cerebral Palsy is caused by damage to a child's developing brain; a brain injury can interrupts the child's ability to control balance and movement, and as a result impacting their posture.
What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy encompasses a group of neurological conditions. They are the result of an injury to the brain that can happen before, during or after birth. Whilst there isn't a cure for cerebral palsy, there are treatments, medications, and surgery which can help improve a child's motor skills and ability to communicate with the world. Our consultants will discuss the the range of treatments to help your child and their 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.
- Physiotherapy 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.
cerebral palsy treatments
Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR)
Our locations
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Portland Hospital Outpatients
Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.