Examination of the child with cerebral palsy
Tom F Novacheck1, Joyce P Trost, Sue Sohrweide
1James R Gage Center for Gait and Motion Analysis, Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare, St Paul, MN 55101, USA. novac001@umn.edu
Insights
This study outlines a comprehensive approach for treating children with cerebral palsy (CP). It emphasizes integrating various assessments to create effective treatment plans and measure outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) presents complex challenges in childhood development.
- Effective management requires a multifaceted and individualized approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail a comprehensive framework for evaluating children with cerebral palsy.
- To guide the development of tailored treatment plans and outcome assessments.
Main Methods:
- Integrating medical history and physical examination.
- Utilizing functional assessments, imaging, and gait analysis (observational and computerized).
- Incorporating patient and family goals into the evaluation process.
Main Results:
- A balanced combination of assessment methods is crucial for effective CP management.
- This integrated approach facilitates accurate treatment planning and outcome evaluation.
Conclusions:
- A holistic assessment strategy is essential for optimizing treatment and outcomes in pediatric cerebral palsy.
- This comprehensive methodology supports evidence-based pediatric rehabilitation.
Abstract:
This article describes the balanced combination of medical history, detailed physical examination, functional assessment, imaging, observational gait analysis, computerized gait analysis, and assessment of patient and family goals that are necessary to prepare treatment plans and accurately assess outcomes of treatment of children with cerebral palsy.
