Articles tagged with Cerebral Palsy
A national care improvement programme has led to more equitable access to antenatal magnesium sulphate, a treatment that reduces the risk of cerebral palsy in premature babies. The programme's rollout has narrowed regional and socioeconomic gaps in treatment rates, benefiting mothers and babies across England.
A recent study suggests that cerebral palsy (CP) may be a collection of symptoms that can occur in various conditions, rather than a single disease with genetic causes. The research found that only 89 of 515 genes previously linked to CP have a statistically significant association with the condition.
A new study published in Ophthalmology Science has confirmed that The CVI Range Assessment is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating functional vision in children with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). This finding provides evidence that the widely used assessment meets rigorous clinical and psychometric standards, offering a s...
A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers found that physically active children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome experienced less fatigue. Parents reported similar results, highlighting the importance of physical activity for long-term health outcomes in children with developmental disabilities.
A new trial found that infants and toddlers with unilateral cerebral palsy show significant improvements in hand and arm function when receiving early, high-dose therapy. The study suggests that multiple approaches can help children build critical motor skills, providing families and clinicians with evidence-based options.
Researchers have demonstrated that stem cell treatment can be effective even when initiated after motor deficits appear in cerebral palsy. The study used stem cells from human primary tooth pulp to treat chronic-phase cerebral palsy in rat experiments, showing improved motor and learning functions in the treated group.
Research highlights increased mortality risks among individuals with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or cerebral palsy compared to the general population. The study's findings can inform public health strategies to address health disparities and excess mortality associated with developmental disabilities.
A new study found that young adults with complex childhood-onset conditions experience longer hospital stays, higher readmission rates, and greater use of resources in adult hospitals. These patients account for 6.7% of young adult hospitalizations but occupy 10.7% of all hospital bed-days.
A Swedish study of prematurely born adults found increased morbidity in physical and mental health, yet they reported a high quality of life. The study, which followed participants from birth to age 26-29, suggests that premature birth does not necessarily limit daily life.
A review in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology summarizes the benefits of parasport participation for individuals with cerebral palsy. The authors highlight its value in combining therapeutic physical activity with social inclusion and community integration.
A new method measures leg movement variability to diagnose dystonia in children with cerebral palsy, enabling swift and accurate treatment. The study also identifies brain cells linked to dystonia, suggesting early intervention targeting these processes could prevent or treat the condition.
The MyoStep project represents a significant advancement in pediatric mobility aids for children with cerebral palsy, addressing motor impairments that restrict participation in physical activities. The soft power suit provides a lightweight, discreet solution tailored to fit seamlessly into the lives of children and their families.
Researchers have found that adults with cerebral palsy are often prescribed medications that don't align with the underlying type of symptom they're experiencing. Physical and occupational therapy, two primary interventions for pain management in children with CP, were prescribed for only 41% of adult participants in the study.
The project's recordings help improve voice recognition tools by providing diverse speech patterns to train artificial intelligence models. Microsoft has seen significant improvements in recognizing non-standard English speech, with accuracy gains ranging from 18% to 60%, depending on the speaker's disability.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still label cerebral palsy as a childhood disorder, despite more adults living with the condition. A new definition aims to address these gaps in care by recognizing cerebral palsy as a lifelong physical disability.
The Speech Accessibility Project is working with two new partners, The Matthew Foundation and the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, to recruit adults with Down syndrome and other conditions. The project aims to provide voice command devices to improve inclusion and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
A recent Cochrane review confirms that giving women at risk of premature birth a simple magnesium sulphate infusion can prevent their babies from developing cerebral palsy. The drug costs approximately £5 (~$6.50) per dose and has been recommended by the World Health Organization since 2015.
A recent study found that cerebral palsy adults have a very high occurrence of pain, with 86.3% experiencing nociceptive pain and 45.8% experiencing nociplastic pain. Accurate identification of pain type and source is critical for proper treatment.
Researchers assessed botulinumtoxin-A treatment to improve walking capacity in children with cerebral palsy. The trial found some evidence of reduced calf pain and delayed improvement in energy cost, but no significant benefit for overall walking ease.
A randomized clinical trial found that overground robot-assisted gait training using a wearable robot significantly improved gross motor function and gait pattern in children with cerebral palsy. The study suggests that this type of assistance may complement standard rehabilitation by providing adequate support.
A large cohort study in Canada found an association between prenatal ambient PM2.5 exposure and increased cerebral palsy risk in offspring. Further research is needed to understand this association and potential biological pathways.
The world's largest study of cerebral palsy genetics found genetic defects are responsible for over a quarter of cases in Chinese children. Researchers identified 81 genes with causation mutations, indicating that improper brain development may be the underlying cause of cerebral palsy rather than lack of oxygen at birth.
Researchers found that early neurodevelopmental assessments can predict long-term cerebral palsy outcomes in high-risk infants as young as 3 to 4 months corrected age. However, these tests are limited in identifying cognitive and neurodevelopmental impairments beyond CP diagnosis.
A Canadian-led study has identified genes that may be partially responsible for the development of cerebral palsy. The research found that over 11% of children with CP have a genetic variant or likely genetic variant, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.
A new study found that children born moderately early are at an increased risk of developmental disorders, including language delay, cognitive impairment, ADHD, and cerebral palsy. The study analyzed data from over 8 million children and identified a small but significant increase in risk for most developmental disorders.
A $2.9 million NIH award supports the study of sepiapterin reductase deficiency and cerebral palsy, with goals to develop new therapies for these disorders. Researchers will investigate changes in cellular pathways and explore potential treatments.
Researchers at Lurie Children's Hospital use computer-guided radiofrequency ablation to decrease excessive muscle tone in children with cerebral palsy, greatly improving quality of life. The procedure is a safe and effective approach that excludes the dysfunctional nervous system, a main driver of pathology.
A team of New Jersey researchers reviewed the evidence on robotic exoskeleton devices for individuals with acquired brain injury, laying out a systematic framework for future research. The review highlights the need for comprehensive approaches to evaluate these devices and their role in improving mobility in individuals with acquired ...
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a fatty molecule in breast milk that triggers a process in which stem cells produce new white matter, reversing neurological damage. This finding holds promise for developing therapies to treat preterm babies with cerebral palsy.
A new study found an association between lower extremity spasticity and cryptorchidism treatment in boys with cerebral palsy. Boys with more severe spasticity were especially likely to have had the surgery, suggesting a potential link between affected muscles and testicle development.
A special issue of the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine explores the treatment and management of cerebral palsy, including spasticity management and pain relief. The articles discuss various approaches to managing spasticity, such as enteral baclofen use and botulinum neurotoxinA injections, aiming to improve care and quali...
The development of SimulScan technology will help clinicians diagnose disordered swallowing more accurately. The researchers aim to investigate how swallowing behaviors change across the lifespan to create personalized treatments for patients with dysphagia.
A Geisinger study supports genetic testing as a standard of care for people with cerebral palsy, similar to other neurodevelopmental disorders. The analysis found similar genetic diagnostic yield for CP and NDD, suggesting earlier identification of genetic changes and potential treatment through genetic testing.
A UK program using magnesium sulfate to prevent cerebral palsy in premature babies has been shown to be both effective and cost-effective. The PReCePT program increased the use of magnesium sulfate by 9.5 percentage points on average, resulting in a lifetime saving of £3 million.
Research published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology reveals a link between maternal diabetes and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability in children. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes were associated with increased risks of these conditions, while gestational diabetes was linked to autism spec...
A study found that over 25,000 adult deaths in the US between 1999 and 2019 listed cerebral palsy as the underlying cause, often paired with respiratory illness. The incorrect labeling hinders understanding of how cerebral palsy interacts with other conditions.
A study of 2 million births found maternal unintentional injury during pregnancy increases risk of cerebral palsy. Children exposed to maternal injuries that resulted in hospitalization or preterm delivery are at higher risk.
A pilot study will investigate the use of medicinal cannabis to ease symptoms in children and adolescents with non-oncological conditions. The trial aims to determine acceptability and feasibility, with potential breakthroughs for treating debilitating symptoms such as pain and seizures.
SpineX's proprietary SCiP TM device demonstrates unparalleled functional improvements in children with cerebral palsy, treating underlying neurological dysfunction and improving connectivity between the brain and spinal cord.
A new study found that treating brain injury with anti-inflammatory medication as early as three days after birth may prevent severe cerebral palsy. The research showed that giving Etanercept to foetal sheep after oxygen deprivation reduced cystic white matter injury.
UC Riverside engineers develop low-cost robotic clothing to help children with cerebral palsy. The soft machine garments contain sealed regions that inflate to provide force for movement, enabling natural limb functioning.
Geisinger Health System is conducting a comprehensive study on the genetic causes of cerebral palsy, funded by a $3.3 million NIH grant. The research aims to identify individual genes and regions responsible for the condition, which affects 1 in 500 people worldwide.
Kessler Foundation researchers will conduct studies on brain injury, knee osteoarthritis, and pediatric cerebral palsy using mixed-reality technology, robotic exoskeletons, and cycling feedback systems. The grants aim to improve safety and mobility for elderly individuals with cognitive impairments and those with neurological disorders.
A Michigan Medicine study found that people with cerebral palsy and spina bifida are prescribed opioids at a rate up to five times higher than those without the conditions. Chronic pain is the most commonly reported symptom among these individuals, raising concerns over addiction and overdose issues.
A study found that high blood adenosine levels at 15 days of life correlated with white matter lesions and brain injury in very low birth weight premature infants. Adenosine may play a role in oligodendrocyte maturation and neuronal development, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for complications of prematurity.
A new Michigan Medicine study found that for children with a pelvic tilt and lower lumbar spine tilt of fewer than 10 degrees, the pelvis did not need to be included when inserting growing rods. This could help avoid painful complications such as skin breakdown and infection.
Research published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology shows a decline in cerebral palsy rates among Australian babies, with the largest decrease seen in premature births. The study found a 32% reduction in prevalence over two decades.
A DNA sequencing study of 50 patients with cerebral palsy found a genetic cause in 26% of cases. The study identified 13 different genes associated with the condition. Genetic findings led to changes in patient care plans and urged clinicians to consider genetic causes for CP without known risk factors.
A new study from the University of South Australia is investigating the benefits of a unique sport called RaceRunning for children with cerebral palsy. The research aims to assess the impact on physical, social, and mental health, finding improvements in muscle strength, mobility, and participation in sporting activities.
Researchers found that cerebral palsy patients with low muscle mass often have inaccurately calculated kidney function, leading to missed diagnoses of advanced kidney disease. This association increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in this population.
A study by GIST scientists found that physical interaction between children with cerebral palsy and horses improves motor skills and balance. The research team recorded horse and child movements, tracking acceleration and angular velocity to quantify interactions, which were linked to improved outcomes.
A multi-university study found that higher doses of intensive therapy improve upper arm and hand abilities in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy, while a lower dosage produces fewer gains. The therapy can be life-changing for children, increasing their willingness to tackle new activities.
The Charles Lazarus Children’s Abilities Center at Mount Sinai offers cutting-edge treatments for children with disabilities, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The center features state-of-the-art equipment and a multidisciplinary team of experts providing comprehensive care to children from birth to age 21.
A new study has established recognized terms, definitions, design characteristics, and prescription criteria for off-the-shelf stability footwear. This standardized approach aims to improve the effectiveness of therapeutic footwear in treating children with various mobility issues.
Researchers found that middle-aged men with cerebral palsy are up to 5.6 times more likely to suffer fractures than men without the disorder. The study also revealed that critical periods of bone health vary across the lifespan for individuals with cerebral palsy, particularly affecting females and males at different times.
Research suggests that Nintendo Wii therapy can significantly improve balance in children with cerebral palsy, even when combined with conventional physical therapy. The analysis found medium to large effects of the therapy on functional balance and dynamic balance, respectively.
A recent study found that adults with cerebral palsy receive significantly less physical therapy for musculoskeletal disorders, despite greater risk of secondary comorbid conditions. The researchers underscore the need for increased clinical awareness and improved screening strategies to address this inequity in healthcare.
Research on early treatments for cerebral palsy has generated limited supportive data, but emerging efforts aim to improve developmental motor outcomes in children with the condition. Newer, more targeted interventions are being explored to provide novel insights and transform treatment approaches.
Researchers discovered a strong link between genetic changes and cerebral palsy, which often co-occurs with other neurodevelopmental disorders. The study identified disease-causing changes in 229 genes, decreasing the risk of recurrence for future children born to affected parents.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Wayne State University a total of $5.59 million to support research into preventing and treating cerebral palsy. Dr. Sidhartha Tan's projects aim to develop new drugs targeting neuronal nitric oxide synthase and explore the role of tetrahydrobiopterin in brain injury.