Selective dorsal rhizotomy: neurosurgical treatment of cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is a syndrome characterized by abnormal motor function, with spasticity being one of the most crippling manifestations. Selective dorsal rhizotomy, a neurosurgical procedure, has successfully decreased the degree of spasticity for the child with cerebral palsy. The utilization of this procedure may enable the child with cerebral palsy to demonstrate improved motor function, creating an exciting nursing challenge. This article describes dorsal rhizotomy and the nursing care involved. The protocol of treatment and care provided at Texas Children's Hospital is also described.