Sensory Symptoms Across the Lifespan in People With Cerebral Palsy.

Background: To estimate the prevalence of sensory symptoms in people with cerebral palsy (CP) across the lifespan.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the self-reported Sensory Processing Scale Inventory (SPS-I) was administered via Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) between February 1, 2022, and August 15, 2022, to people with CP or their caregivers enrolled in the online MyCP Community Registry. We determined the association between SPS-I scores and age (Pearson correlation) and functional status as assessed using five validated functional classification systems for CP (analysis of variance [ANOVA]).

Focal selective dorsal rhizotomy and concurrent deformity correction: a combined approach.

Objective: Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is a neurosurgical procedure to reduce spasticity in children with cerebral palsy and spastic diplegia. The authors developed a procedure called focal SDR for children with spasticity predominantly in the L5 or S1 motor distribution, which can be combined with orthopedic correction of fixed soft-tissue or bony deformity. The authors describe in detail the technique of minimally invasive focal SDR and propose selection criteria.

The critical need to accelerate cerebral palsy research with consumer engagement, global networks, and adaptive designs.

The prevalence of cerebral palsy (CP) varies globally, with higher rates and burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. CP is a lifelong condition with no cure, presenting diverse challenges such as motor impairment, epilepsy, and mental health disorders. Research progress has been made but more is needed, especially given consumer demands for faster advancements and improvements in the scientific evidence base for interventions.

Physician Approaches to the Pharmacologic Treatment of Dystonia in Cerebral Palsy.

Objective: To determine how physicians approach pharmacologic dystonia treatment in people with CP and assess physician readiness to participate in a randomized trial comparing existing pharmacologic dystonia treatments.

Methods: We administered a REDCap survey to physician members of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine and of the Child Neurology Society to assess which pharmacologic agents they use to treat dystonia in CP and their preferred indications and dosing.

Results: Of 479 physicians surveyed, 240 (50%) responded.

Rehabilitation Outcomes in Children With Acute Flaccid Myelitis From 2014 to 2019: A Multicenter Retrospective Review.

Background: Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a childhood illness characterized by sudden-onset weakness impairing function. The primary goal was to compare the motor recovery patterns of patients with AFM who were discharged home or to inpatient rehabilitation. Secondary analyses focused on recovery of respiratory status, nutritional status, and neurogenic bowel and bladder in both cohorts.

Management of severe spasticity with and without dystonia with intrathecal baclofen in the pediatric population: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: To investigate the differences in delivery mode, daily dose, and catheter tip location in pediatric patients using intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pumps with spasticity plus dystonia versus spasticity alone.

Methods: A single-center, cross-sectional study was performed by collecting retrospective data from electronic medical records. Demographic and diagnostic information was obtained, comparing patients with spasticity with or without dystonia.

Comparison of intrathecal baclofen pump insertion and selective dorsal rhizotomy for nonambulatory children with predominantly spastic cerebral palsy.

Objective: In nonambulatory children with predominantly spastic cerebral palsy (CP), the authors compared care needs, symptom burden, and complications after surgical treatment with either intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pump insertion or selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). The patients were treated at two Canadian centers with variability in practice pertaining to these surgical options.

Methods: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of nonambulatory children with predominantly spastic quadriplegic or diplegic CP who underwent treatment with ITB or SDR.

Pediatric Spina Bifida and Spinal Cord Injury.

Pediatric spina bifida (SB) and spinal cord injury (SCI) are unfortunately common in our society, and their unique findings and comorbidities warrant special consideration. This manuscript will discuss the epidemiology, pathophysiology, prevention, and management strategies for children growing and developing with these unique neuromuscular disorders. Growth and development of the maturing child places them at high risk of spinal cord tethering, syringomyelia, ascending paralysis, pressure injuries, and orthopedic abnormalities that must be addressed frequently and judiciously.

Pharmacologic and Acute Management of Spinal Cord Injury in Adults and Children.

Purpose Of Review: This review provides guidance for acute spinal cord injury (SCI) management through an analytical assessment of the most recent evidence on therapies available for treating SCI, including newer therapies under investigation. We present an approach to the SCI patient starting at presentation to acute rehabilitation and prognostication, with additional emphasis on the pediatric population when evidence is available.

Recent Findings: Further studies since the Surgical Timing in Acute Spinal Cord Injury Study (STASCIS) demonstrated a potential functional outcome benefit with ultra-early surgical intervention ≤ 8 h post-SCI.

Pediatric intrathecal baclofen management during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US and Canada.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge to healthcare systems around the world. Within pediatric rehabilitation medicine, management of intrathecal baclofen has been particularly challenging. This editorial reviews how programs in the US and Canada coped with the quickly changing healthcare environment and how we can learn from this pandemic to be prepared for future crises.

Surgical Tone Reduction in Cerebral Palsy.

This article overviews the surgical options for hypertonia management in cerebral palsy, both spasticity and dystonia. We review the history and use of intrathecal baclofen. We contrast its use with the indications for selective dorsal rhizotomy and review how it is the optimal technique to lower tone in the ambulatory spastic diplegic patient with cerebral palsy.

Self-reported physical function is associated with walking speed in adults with cerebral palsy.

Purpose: To understand the relationship of walking speed to self-reported pain, fatigue, and physical function in adults with CP.

Methods: Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Accredited clinical motion analysis laboratory in a regional children's hospital.