Surgery for Spastic Cerebral Palsy Helps Kids of All Ages Walk
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong neurological condition that affects movement and coordination. For many children with CP, walking is a significant challenge. However, a promising surgery called single-event multilevel surgery (SEMLS) allows children of all ages to improve their walking ability, offering new hope. Learn more about what SEMLS could mean to your family.
Key Findings: Cerebral Palsy Surgery Spasticity Study
Recent research highlights the effectiveness of SEMLS for children with cerebral palsy.
Here is what parents need to know about this groundbreaking CP surgery:
- Combines multiple procedures into one surgery
- Helps your child walk more easily and gain independence
- Reduces stiffness and improves movement
- Tailored to your child’s specific needs
- Works for older kids and teens, not just younger children
These promising results offer hope for children of all ages with spastic cerebral palsy.
Understanding Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type of CP, affecting muscle movement and control. Children with spastic CP have muscles that are tight and stiff, which can make their movements appear jerky.
The severity of spastic CP can vary widely. Some children might have mild stiffness in only one hand, while others may need assistance with daily activities and use a wheelchair.
Spastic CP is usually caused by an injury to the brain's motor cortex, the area responsible for planning and controlling movement. This injury can happen before, during, or shortly after birth.
In some cases, cerebral palsy is preventable and caused by medical negligence. Common examples include a doctor failing to detect and treat infections, fetal distress, or delaying a needed cesarean section (C-section).
These medical mistakes can lead to a lack of oxygen in the baby’s brain, resulting in cerebral palsy. Although CP is a lifelong condition, early intervention and therapies can help children reach their full potential.
For many families, this surgery for spastic cerebral palsy may offer a chance to improve their child’s mobility and quality of life.
About Single Event Multilevel Surgery for Cerebral Palsy
SEMLS is a surgical option that may help your child move more freely. During SEMLS, surgeons perform a combination of procedures, like lengthening tight tendons, realigning bones, and releasing stiff muscles.
The goal is to improve your child’s posture, reduce muscle tightness (spasticity), and help children walk more easily.
Here are 5 things parents and caregivers should know about SEMLS:
- Addresses multiple issues at once: Targets several CP symptoms in one operation, which may help your child move with less pain
- Customized treatment: Procedures are tailored to your child’s needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes from treatment
- Improves mobility: Many children have reduced mobility limitations, with Gait Deviation Index (GDI) improving by 6.1 to 6.4 points
- May reduce future surgeries: By addressing multiple problems at once, SEMLS can reduce the need for additional CP surgeries later in life
- Requires physical therapy: Recovery from SEMLS involves dedicated physical therapy to help your child regain strength and coordination
So far, SEMLS has helped many children walk better and gain independence. While it's often performed for kids ages 7 to 10, older children and teens may also benefit.
What SEMLS Means for Children With Cerebral Palsy
The single-event multilevel surgery cerebral palsy study offers new hope for families of children with cerebral palsy.
The finding that SEMLS can benefit kids of various ages opens up new possibilities for improving mobility and quality of life.
By considering SEMLS for a broader age range, more children could experience the benefits of this promising surgery for spastic cerebral palsy.
"We had thought that the older kids would not do as well, but there was really no difference in outcomes between the two groups."
— Dr. Robert Kay, director at Children's Hospital Los Angeles
However, it’s important to note that groundbreaking treatments like SEMLS can be expensive and might not be fully covered by insurance.
If medical mistakes caused your child’s cerebral palsy, there may be financial support available through a cerebral palsy lawsuit settlement. This could help cover the costs of life-changing treatments like SEMLS and ensure your child gets the care they deserve.
Cerebral Palsy Guide partners with top cerebral palsy attorneys nationwide who can help families in all 50 states.
Call (855) 220-1101 right now to speak with one of our trained patient advocates or get a free case review to learn more about possible financial support options.
Written by:Cerebral Palsy GuideCerebral Palsy Guide was founded upon the goal of educating families about cerebral palsy, raising awareness, and providing support for children, parents, and caregivers affected by the condition. Our easy-to-use website offers simple, straightforward information that provides families with medical and legal solutions. We are devoted to helping parents and children access the tools they need to live a life full of happiness
