Neuroelectric stimulation in cerebral palsy: long-term quantitative assessment

Results from multiple tests including somatosensory evoked potentials, passive resistance to motion, upper extremity motor skills evaluation, neuromuscular examination, and parental interview were evaluated in 13 children with cerebral palsy (CP) who received chronic cerebellar stimulation (CCS) for reduction of spasticity and movement disorders during the past 14 years. The prospective study included immediate postoperative follow-up data as well as longer term results from the quantitative test series. Although CCS was effective in reducing hypertonicity in CP children during the immediate short-term, the diminishment waned significantly 3-5 years postoperatively.