Cerebral Palsy Clinic
Your child’s cerebral palsy specialists guide you through treatment and put you in touch with available resources and support.
Adaptive Equipment and Support for CP
Supportive equipment and devices are important adjunct therapies to help in the management of many of the complications from cerebral palsy. Your care team will offer personalized assistance with selection and proper use of indicated equipment such as:
- Communication boards
- Crutches, walkers and wheelchairs
- Orthotics (braces and splints)
- Special eating utensils
- Wheelchairs
Cerebral Palsy Treatments and Services
Your child’s treatment plan may include these or other therapies and services as directed by your doctors and care team:
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
- Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR)
- Intrathecal Baclofen (ITB) Pump Implantation
- Single-event Multilevel Surgeries (SEMLs)
- Injection Treatments
- Inpatient Rehabilitation
- Motion Analysis Lab (Gait Lab)
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic CP Clinic (Subspecialty care, By Referral Only)
- Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R)
- Psychology
- Seating and Mobility Clinic
- Surgical Tone Management Clinic
Surgery for Cerebral Palsy and Related Conditions
Life with cerebral palsy can include a wide array of challenges. Children may have or develop complications such as joint contractures, hip dislocations, foot deformities or spinal disorders that affect a child’s ability to sit comfortably, walk or enjoy everyday activities. In addition to preventive rehabilitative care, doctors may recommend surgery to:
- Treat spasticity or movement disorders
- Decrease pain
- Improve bone and muscle alignment
- Improve the way your child walks
- Stop a deformity from getting worse or release a contracture
- Prevent or improve curvature of the spine
Neurosurgical Procedures
Your child may be referred to a neurosurgeon from Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s to discuss minimally invasive and open surgical procedures such as:
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
- Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR)
- Intrathecal Baclofen (ITB) Pump Implantation
Single-Event Multilevel Surgeries (SEMLs)
Studies show that children can benefit from having multiple procedures during a single surgery. Surgeons correct bone and tissue problems in two or more areas. This reduces the need for additional procedures and shortens recovery time.
Cerebral Palsy Education and Resources
Phoenix Children’s partners with other organizations and communities to offer these and many other resources:
Cerebral palsy (CP) presents lifelong challenges for children and families, and our cerebral palsy specialists and staff will educate and support you along the way. We offer information, resources and support for every stage of development and care – including transitions to young adulthood and independence.
Feel free to ask your child’s care team for answers and guidance. They’ll share the latest information and provide timely assistance.
Your child’s care team can provide a complete list of current resources and materials suited to your child’s changing condition and needs. There are many options to explore, ranging from short-term financial support to long-term care. You’ll find programs to encourage and guide children, young adults and families wherever you are in life’s journey. You can also learn more in Phoenix Children’s Cerebral Palsy booklet.