I always wondered why people with CP were twisted up. Nice to know there’s something that can be done:
The diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP) can be devastating for a family. CP is caused by damage to an infant’s brain – either during pregnancy, delivery, or immediately after birth.
It is a lifetime condition that can affect a child’s body movement, muscle control, coordination and tone, as well as a child’s balance, posture, and reflex. They can also suffer from epilepsy, hearing, intellectual, learning, speech, and visual impairments.
One of the most common medical issues that children with CP can develop is scoliosis. Scoliosis is when the spine develops a sideways curvature. It is estimated that between 21 to 64 percent of all CP patients develop the condition.
The effects that cerebral palsy has on a child’s muscles, causing poor control, weakness, and spasms, all contribute to scoliosis risks.
Typically, children with CP will begin developing scoliosis between the ages of 10 through 18. According to a recent review in the Journal of Spinal Surgery, surgery is the only option to treat scoliosis in CP patients.
According to the review, there are two types of distinct scoliosis curves CP patients suffer from. The first, referred to as Group-I, causes double curves with the lower (lumbar) and middle (thoracic) back components.
This type of scoliosis curve is usually found in patients who are ambulatory and suffer from an abnormal pelvic tilt.
The second type, Group-II, involves only single lower or middle back curves which are more pronounced. This type of curve is usually seen in quadriplegic patients.
Although studies have concluded that CP children who suffer from scoliosis can be treated by nonsurgical means, these treatments are only temporary, and eventually, surgery becomes necessary.
One of the more popular nonsurgical treatments for scoliosis is bracing techniques. Some studies found that these techniques were poorly tolerated by CP patients. And although in some cases, the technique slowed the progression of scoliosis, eventually surgery was needed.
Another form of treatment that is often used in CP patients is Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pumps. Medication is delivered into the spinal fluid via these pumps to help with the pain and spasticity the patient is suffering from.
Although the medication does work in alleviating pain and spasms, there is some evidence that this medication may actually make scoliosis worse.
The conclusion of the review is that the only option CP patients have for scoliosis treatment is surgery.
One of the most dangerous complications that can occur with any CP patient undergoing surgery is with the respiratory system.
The review stresses that pre-operative non-invasive ventilation (NIV) training should be prescribed to help prevent respiratory infections or complications developing after the surgery.
Spine surgeon Dr. Victor Hayes commented, “When planning for this type of surgery, there needs to be a comprehensive preoperative assessment and involvement of a multi-disciplinary team.”
Although recovery from any surgery can be long and difficult for CP patients, the conclusion of the review was that the majority of patients who have undergone scoliosis surgery have been satisfied with the outcome.
Here’s a cerebral palsy support group here.
