Saturday, 14 July 2012

• Evaluating Treatments for Kids with Cereral Palsy

   

  
  

   

  
  The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and the Child Neurology Society recently investigated treatment options for spasticity. Spasticity is a muscle tightness that limits movement, most often seen in children with cerebral palsy. 

   Cerebral palsy affects more than 10,000 babies each year in the United States and affects the child’s movements and posture. It is a complex neurological disorder. There is no cure but there are some recommended treatments.

  The most effective treatment found by the study showed to be botulinum toxin type A treatment. The lead guideline author is Mauricio R. Delgado, MD, FRCPC, with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. Dr. Delgado said, “It is important that doctors, patients and caregivers together set a goal for measuring the success of medication use or any other spasticity treatment.”

   There was some isolated cause for concern with this treatment. Dr. Delgado said, “In reviewing this drug for treatment of spasticity in children, the Food and Drug Administration is investigating isolated cases of generalized weakness following use of botulinum toxin type A for spasticity,” However, other treatments reviewed included two drugs with much worse side effects and/or less effectiveness.

  There needs to be further research into this area to discover better treatment options for children affected with spasticity.

  For more information about the American Academy of Neurology, visit the website

  The study was published in the January 26, 2010 journal Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

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