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Mayo Clinic is at the forefront of care of children who have cerebral palsy. More than 400 patients who have cerebral palsy are treated each year at Mayo Clinic (primarily in Rochester). A coordinated, comprehensive multidisciplinary medical and surgical team provides all necessary services to diagnose and treat cerebral palsy. Children diagnosed with cerebral palsy may need special health care throughout their lives to maximize their independence and prevent or treat complications. Mayo Clinic providers commonly coordinate care with the child's primary pediatrician or family practitioner and home or school-based therapists.
Mayo Clinic patients have access to numerous pediatric specialists as well as to advanced testing and technology for related medical needs. When a child "outgrows" pediatric care, they can continue to receive coordinated medical care at Mayo Clinic through adult care physicians.
Doctors diagnose cerebral palsy by examining a child's physical and behavioral signs. Additional tests to rule out other disorders that can cause movement problems may also be performed. Mayo Clinic doctors have the expertise and tools to make an accurate diagnosis. Read more about cerebral palsy diagnosis.
Cerebral palsy, although not curable, does not worsen over time. However, complications may arise related to abnormal muscle tone and other issues. Treatment aims to improve quality of life, enhance participation socially and academically in school, increase strength, facilitate personal hygiene, reduce disabilities, and prevent complications, such as slowed growth and joint problems. Read more about cerebral palsy treatment options.
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders characterized by loss of movement or nerve functions. Cerebral refers to brain and palsy to weakness or poor control of muscles. Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development during fetal development or by injuries to the brain from birth through the first three years of life.
A person with cerebral palsy can have mild to severe physical disabilities. Some people have only a slight limp or an uncoordinated walk. Others have little or no control over their arms and legs or other body part.
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Care at Mayo Clinic puts Anna Luczynski's active childhood in motion.
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