Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type of cerebral palsy, accounting for approximately 70% to 80% of patients. This type of disorder stems from brain damage in the cerebral cortex, the outermost layer of the brain. Cerebral palsy can occur before the child is born, during birth, or up until the child's third birthday. A CAT scan or MRI is used to determine if there are lesions on the child's brain, helping to diagnose cerebral palsy. Sometimes a diagnosis comes early on, but it can take months or even years for others to be diagnosed.

Spastic cerebral palsy is marked by constantly tense muscles. It is a disorder where the body's muscles work against each other. In children who haven't been affected by this type of disorder, the muscles work together to create smooth, functional movement. However, children who are affected will suffer from constantly tense muscles because the muscles contract together instead of one contracting while the other relaxes. This is because the brain cannot effectively communicate with the nerves to create smooth movement. Movement can further be impaired when the child is anxious, causing the child to become fatigued. This type of disorder can limit a small number of movements or it can affect the entire body. The range of movement in joints can also be limited.

Children who are born with spastic cerebral palsy develop deformities after time because of their joints being contracted. This disorder inhibits the child's growth and prevents most from engaging in normal daily activities such as playing and sports. There are some treatments that can help the child lead a more normal life, including medications, injections and surgery. Baclofen and Valium are both oral medications, but there is a debate over how well they control spasticity. Botox injections are a revolutionary treatment for this disorder, with few side effects and results lasting up to four months. Orthopedic surgeons can also lengthen tendons to improve spastic movements. The type of treatment chosen varies by the severity of the cerebral palsy and a specialized team of doctors can help parents of cerebral palsy patients decide what is best for their child.

Zev Gershon, M.D. J.D. is the team leader at the firm. As a doctor/attorney, Dr. Gershon has recovered millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for his clients with different types of CP.