Conditions We Treat

Cerebral palsy (CP) describes a developmental disorder that affects motor function in a developing child. The CP Program at Phoenix Children’s Barrow Neurological Institute treats many diagnoses that are part of or related to CP.

We work across specialties – including orthopedics, rehabilitative services, psychology, surgery and other areas of medicine – to diagnose and treat cerebral palsy and related neurologic conditions, including:

• Autism spectrum disorder – A complex range of neurodevelopmental disorders that can affect communication, social interaction and behavior
• Ataxia – Abnormal muscle coordination and control
• Cerebral palsy – A developmental disorder affecting movement  
• Choreoathetosis – Jumpy, jerky movements
• Cognitive-behavioral and emotional challenges
• Dystonia – Slow, involuntary contractions of certain muscles that can cause twisted movements and abnormal postures
• Epilepsy – Brain disorder that causes seizures
• Functional movement disorders – Motor symptoms related to psychological stressors
• Gait disorders – Abnormal walking and balance patterns
• Hypertonia – Excessive muscle tension, which can be divided into spasticity, dystonia and rigidity
• Learning problems – Conditions that affect a child’s ability to learn
• Motor control difficulties – Difficulty activating the right muscles at the right times
• Muscle weakness
• Musculoskeletal (bone, muscle and joint) disorders
• Rare movement disorders
• Spastic paraplegia – Muscle control disorders affecting the legs
• Spasticity – High muscle tension with inability to control tight muscles
• Stereotypies – Persistent, repetitive movements
• Tourette syndrome and tic disorders

Learn more about cerebral palsy and related conditions in our online health library.