Administration of budesonide to extreme preterm newborns to prevent severe chronic pulmonary disease does not induce long-term neurodevelopmental impairments, such as cerebral palsy, cognitive delay, hearing impairment, or blindness, according to the results of a Phase 3 trial. The trial (NCT01035190) data were reported in an article…
Health Canada has approved Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) for the treatment of leg spasticity in children and teens ages 2 and older, including those with cerebral palsy. The treatment, which reduces spasticity by blocking nerve signaling, was previously shown to effectively improve muscle tone and movement ability in children.
Intrathecal injection of baclofen (ITB) improves dystonia, muscle tone, pain, and other impairments in patients with dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP), a new study from Sweden shows. The study, “Intrathecal baclofen in dyskinetic cerebral palsy: effects on function and activity,” was published in the journal Developmental Medicine &…
Task-oriented training (TOT) improves hand dexterity in children with cerebral palsy (CP), according to a preliminary study from South Korea. The research, titled “The effects of task-oriented training on hand dexterity and strength in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy: a preliminary study,” was published in…
A study shows that severe acidosis at birth is associated with adverse neonatal and two-year outcomes. It is known that acidosis, a condition characterized by low pH levels (caused by high levels of acid) in body fluids, at birth is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes. But its…
The use of botulinum toxin A in children with cerebral palsy (CP) differs according to their age, sex, and gross motor function, according to a new Swedish study. The study, “Treatment with Botulinum toxin A in a total population of children with cerebral palsy – a…
Magnesium sulfate given to pregnant women at risk of preterm birth can prevent cerebral palsy and reduce the combined risk of fetal/infant death or cerebral palsy, researchers found. The study, “Assessing the neuroprotective benefits for babies of antenatal magnesium sulphate: An individual participant data meta-analysis,” was…
The holidays are upon us again, and that means parties, decorating, family — and gifts. As you make your list this year, you might be shopping for someone who has cerebral palsy. You might wonder what to give and what would be helpful. I’ve compiled a list of ideas…
Michelle Laver remembers putting a rattle in her infant daughter’s hand and closing her little fingers around it. Then she watched the rattle fall. Kate couldn’t hold on to it. Michelle and Richard Laver, founders of Kate Farms, with Kate, 11. (Photo courtesy of Kate Farms) Kate eventually…
Having cerebral palsy presents a unique experience during the upcoming holiday season. Like they do for anyone, holidays bring forth a certain stress level that is different from everyday life. There’s the decorating, shopping, eating, and gathering with family — most of which is not part of the…