{"id":475,"date":"2020-02-17T14:04:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-17T14:04:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maryfreebed.com?post_type=conditions&#038;p=475"},"modified":"2025-12-16T15:36:46","modified_gmt":"2025-12-16T15:36:46","slug":"cerebral-palsy","status":"publish","type":"conditions","link":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/conditions\/cerebral-palsy\/","title":{"rendered":"Cerebral Palsy"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"menu_order":10,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":""},"tags":[126,798,797,799,800],"modal_window":[17,18],"class_list":["post-475","conditions","type-conditions","status-publish","hentry","tag-cerebral-palsy","tag-cerebral-palsy-children","tag-cerebral-palsy-kids","tag-cerebral-palsy-rehab","tag-cerebral-palsy-rehabilitation","modal_window-home-conditions-services","modal_window-kids-specialty-programs"],"acf":{"kids_branding":true,"title_override":"Cerebral Palsy","individual_page_toggle":true,"overview_tab":{"tab_title":"","body_sections":[{"acf_fc_layout":"content_left_and_image_right","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"image_fit":"cover","image_zoom":false,"text_holder":{"content_editor":"<h2>What is Cerebral Palsy?<\/h2>\r\nCerebral palsy (CP) is the most common movement disability in children. It describes a group of disorders that affect movement, posture and balance due to a brain injury or atypical brain development. Depending on the type and severity, CP can impact one or both sides of the body and may involve the legs, arms or both. In addition to mobility challenges, cerebral palsy can sometimes affect vision, hearing, speech, cognitive function, and result in seizures. Every child\u2019s experience is unique. At Mary Free Bed Kids, we focus on building an individualized care plan to support your child\u2019s physical development, confidence and independence.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Causes of Cerebral Palsy<\/h2>\r\nCerebral palsy results from an injury to a developing brain or abnormal brain development before, during or shortly after birth. The injury itself doesn\u2019t progress over time\u2014but its effects may change as your child grows.\r\n\r\nPossible causes include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Complications during pregnancy or birth that affect oxygen flow to the brain<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Premature birth or low birth weight<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Infections during pregnancy<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Genetic mutations or brain malformations<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Head injuries, meningitis or stroke during early infancy<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAt Mary Free Bed Kids, our specialists help families understand not only what caused their child\u2019s cerebral palsy, but how to best maximize a child\u2019s abilities as they grow and develop."},"image":125035},{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"content_editor":"<h2>Cerebral Palsy Symptoms<\/h2>\r\nCerebral palsy affects each child differently, but common symptoms may include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Muscle over activity (hypertonicity or spasticity) or uncontrolled movements<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Poor balance and coordination<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Delays in attaining motor milestones such as rolling, sitting, crawling or walking<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Weakness of muscles on one or both sides of the body<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Difficulty with oral motor skills, including speech and feeding<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Difficulty with fine motor tasks<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Vision problems<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Types of Cerebral Palsy<\/h2>\r\nThere are several types of cerebral palsy, based on how and where the brain injury affects movement:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Spastic CP: The most common type, causing overactive muscles and atypical movement patterns.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Dyskinetic or dystonic CP: Characterized by involuntary, fluctuating muscle tone that can make movements unpredictable.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Ataxic CP: Affects coordination and balance, often resulting in shaky or unsteady movements.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Mixed CP: A combination of two or more types of cerebral palsy symptoms.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nUnderstanding your child\u2019s specific type helps guide therapy goals and long-term outcomes.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Cerebral Palsy Treatment at Mary Free Bed Kids<\/h2>\r\nOur pediatric physiatrists\u2014physicians who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation\u2014lead a multidisciplinary team focused on improving function and quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.\r\n\r\nTreatment goals often include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Enhancing movement and muscle control<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Reducing spasticity or dystonia<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Promoting progress in daily activities like sitting, walking, dressing, bathing and eating<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Encouraging participation in play, school and community activities<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>"},{"acf_fc_layout":"video_row","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"video_row":{"vid_holder":{"youtube_id":"","image":125158},"text_holder":{"subtitle":"","title":"Mary Free Bed outpatient pediatric rehabilitation en pointe for little ballerina with cerebral palsy","content":"","button":{"title":"Watch Now","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=pXY0jTDu4ek","target":"_blank"}}}},{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"content_editor":"<h2>Comprehensive, Individualized Care<\/h2>\r\nEvery child\u2019s treatment plan is unique, combining medical care, therapy, and education for the entire family. Our evidence-based recommendations may include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Physical, occupational and speech therapy to improve strength, coordination, and communication<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Orthotics (braces) and adaptive equipment (walkers, wheelchairs, etc.) to support mobility and function<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Medication management for spasticity such as oral medications<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Injectable options such as botulinum toxins (eg. Botox) and phenol or ethanol nerve blocks to reduce spasticity in specific muscles<\/li>\r\n \t<li>In complex spasticity, dystonia and orthopedic situations, patients may be referred to the Advanced Management of Pediatric Spasticity (AMPS) program which provides a comprehensive assessment including video. This evaluation will then be reviewed together by providers from Mary Free Bed and Helen DeVos Children's Hospital including pediatric Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Neurology, physiatry and Physical therapy to arrive at recommendations for spasticity and joint contracture management. Recommendations may include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Injections or medications<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Selective dorsal or ventral dorsal rhizotomy<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Intrathecal baclofen pump<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Multilevel orthopedic surgery (SEMLS)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe also provide education for families about cerebral palsy and associated conditions like hip dysplasia, joint contractures or scoliosis, helping you advocate confidently for your child\u2019s care.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Pediatric Therapy and Rehabilitation<\/h2>\r\nAt Mary Free Bed Kids, therapy is designed to be both effective and fun\u2014motivating children to move, play and learn new skills in a supportive environment.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Physical therapy focuses on improving gross motor skills such as crawling, walking, climbing stairs and other high-level motor skills like running and jumping.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Occupational therapy helps children build fine motor skills and independence in daily life activities like dressing, feeding and play.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Speech-language therapy addresses speech, swallowing and communication challenges to help kids express themselves clearly.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Orthotics &amp; mobility equipment provide the right support for posture, comfort and safe movement as children grow.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Why Choose Mary Free Bed Kids<\/h2>\r\nMary Free Bed Kids is home to one of the nation\u2019s most comprehensive pediatric rehabilitation programs. Our team provides:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>A family-centered goal oriented approach that empowers parents and caregivers<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Advanced technology and adaptive equipment to enhance recovery<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Collaboration between therapists, physiatrists and other pediatric specialists<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A child-friendly, uplifting environment designed just for kids<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFamilies across Michigan and beyond trust Mary Free Bed Kids for specialized care that helps children with cerebral palsy live as fully and independently as possible.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Begin Your Child's Journey<\/h2>\r\nIf you believe your child may benefit from an evaluation regarding his\/her cerebral palsy, developmental delay or similar condition we\u2019re here to help. 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