Surgery for Cerebral Palsy (CP)
For individuals with cerebral palsy, surgical procedures can alleviate painful side effects and increase overall function. Throughout this page, we’ll discuss a handful of surgical options that aim to improve the specific symptoms and complications associated with cerebral palsy. Surgery for cerebral palsy may not be right for every patient, but many individuals with CP have benefitted from various procedures.
If your child suffered a birth injury such as cerebral palsy, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim against the medical professional responsible. The highly regarded birth injury lawyers at Michigan Cerebral Palsy Attorneys devotedly fight for the resources necessary to secure medical and emotional well-being for their clients. Contact our Michigan birth injury lawyers in any of the following ways and we will provide you with a free case review, answer your legal questions, and inform you of your legal options.
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What Kinds of Surgeries Are Available to Individuals with Cerebral Palsy?
1. Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR)
SDR is performed on the lower spinal cord to decrease spasticity in the legs. Spasticity is caused by a communication error between the brain and the spinal cord, so surgeons cut the abnormal nerve fibers that cause high muscle tone in order to relax the muscles that contribute to spasticity.
2. Tendon release procedures
Usually performed on calf or inner thigh muscles, this surgery aims to identify and surgically remove areas that limit range of motion in order to relieve muscle tightening and shortened muscles, relax the joints, and decrease irritation caused by friction.
3. Strabismus operation
Strabismus, a condition commonly occurring with cerebral palsy, is characterized by improper alignment of the eyes. Eye specialists can operate on the eye muscles to correct strabismus.
4. Seizure operations
Many children with cerebral palsy who cannot prevent seizures with medication turn to surgical options.
5. Feeding gastrostomy tube (PEG tube) insertion
Surgeons can place a feeding tube directly into the stomach in children with mouth, esophagus, swallowing, or stomach defects.
6. Baclofen pump insertion
During this procedure, surgeons place a pump inside the child’s abdomen that continuously delivers a medicine called baclofen into the child’s spinal fluid. Since the medication goes directly to the spinal cord, it fights spasticity without the sleep-inducing side effects it causes when taken orally.
Legal Aid for Cerebral Palsy
If your child suffered a birth injury from negligence and now requires surgical treatment, our skilled attorneys can help secure the compensation necessary to confront your medical expenses. Surgery for cerebral palsy is often expensive and imposing—if a medical professional’s negligent act caused your loved one’s injuries, you may be eligible for a personal injury or medical malpractice claim. We encourage you to contact an experienced Michigan cerebral palsy lawyer online or at (888) 592-1857 and we will help you determine if your family is eligible for compensation.