Question
At ten months old, the patient was diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy and has high muscle tone in both lower limbs. Since then, the patient has been undergoing rehabilitation training, including learning to roll over, sit, and crawl, which were all mastered by the age of one. Subsequently, the patient began to learn to stand, but as of now, there seems to be little progress, and they are still unable to stand independently. The rehabilitation therapist pointed out that the high muscle tone limits the patient’s abilities. I’ve heard that botulinum toxin can reduce muscle tone. Is my child a suitable candidate for this treatment?
Answer
The treatment for cerebral palsy may include surgical interventions, particularly in cases of severe muscle contractures and joint deformities. The surgery should correct all necessary areas in a single procedure to facilitate better functional improvement post-surgery. For patients with widespread spasticity in the lower limbs and essentially normal muscle strength, selective dorsal rhizotomy may be considered. Regardless of the surgical approach chosen, a standardized rehabilitation treatment plan should be in place before and after surgery.