If your child or family member is referred to OIC’s for cerebral palsy, you can expect your team to consist of the following:
The Pediatric Orthopaedist specializes in the musculoskeletal system of children. They manage the problems associated with spasticity and provide surgical interventions when necessary such as tendon lengthening or correcting a bony deformity.
The Pediatric Neurologist specializes in disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles in children. They focus on establishing the underlying cause of neurological disorders, including cerebral palsy and also treat the associated medical problems such as seizures, movement disorders, etc.
The Pediatric Urologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired urological conditions and diseases in children. The pediatric urologist at Orthopaedic Hospital provides medical management and surgical intervention for bowel and bladder function, one of the most persistent problems this patient population experiences.
The Pediatrician reviews medical issues and coordinates the general healthcare of the patient, in addition to working with the orthopaedic surgeon for pre-operative assessments if surgery is indicated and overseeing medical issues for hospitalized patients.
The Physical Therapist is a health care professional trained to assess and treat movement and function. They examine muscle range of motion, spasticity, strength and posture and assess their impact on function and mobility. Our physical therapists communicate with community therapists to help design and implement treatment interventions and equipment such as wheelchairs and braces. Gait studies at the Kameron Gait and Motion Analysis Laboratory are conducted by physical therapists.
The Occupational Therapist assesses and makes recommendations for treatment of fine and gross motor skills, feeding and oral-motor development, computer use, dressing, bathing and other activities of daily living.
The Social Worker provides psychosocial assessments, assists with locating community resources and assists in the coordination of schooling and social activities.
The Nurse Specialist assists in making sure all medical orders are carried out, and provides case management and nursing assessment for the patient.
Also part of the core team is a registered dietician and orthotist. The dietician provides assistance in meal plans so patients receive adequate caloric intake for healthy growth and development. The orthotist works with the team to prevent unequal or unbalanced muscle groups which can lead to deformities as the child grows.