Treatment?

[Angeni]

Hi, a friend of mine has a minor cerebral palsy issue in his lower legs only. He is extremely intelligent and we are hoping to get his legs "fixed" and treated. How could we locate a surgeon for this? What is involved to get him to walk normal? How old is too old? He is 24 yrs old and like I mentioned above, it's a minor cerebral palsy. He still walks but people often mistake him as "drunk". I hate the discrimination against him because he is one of the most intelligent friends I've met!

Please help!
Angeni

PS: How much would this cost and would insurance cover this? We live in the northern part of Indiana, kinda near South Bend area and Chicago.

[Caliber2005]

Hi Angeni,
I appreciate your feeling towards your friend. He is lucky to have you as your friend.
I would like to know what you mean by saying minor cerebral palsy issue in lower leg. Apart from legs, any other limb is involved? Has both legs been affected or single leg?
You told he is very intelligent, when was he diagnosed as cerebral palsy, what type of cerebral palsy and what was cause for it?
Are the legs hypertonic or is there a movement disorder like athetosis?
If it is due to hyper tonicity, then you can start on with physiotherapy by relaxing the stiff muscles, encouraging movements which avoid spastic body positions and prevent deformities.
I am sure your friend would have developed contractures around the joint space.
I think he needs to be evaluated to see how much muscle is left and whether surgery is possible or not. I think you need to consult an orthopaedician and discuss regarding surgery.
Bye.

[Angeni]

Thanks for your kind words! (^_^)

Minor meaning he can walk, doesnt need a wheelchair or anything. He was diagnosed at birth. His knees look kind of bulky (but he's very thin) and it just looks like its in his legs/knees. When I talk to him later today, I will ask what CP he has exactly. He's a great guy and I'm willing to help him anyway I can so he may walk normal.

Angeni

PS: Last I spoke to him, he says someone told him surgery was possible, so I've been trying to investigate that further. I'm a police officer so am very protective over people, especually ones I care so much about. (^_^)

[Angeni]

And its in both legs and only his legs.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

The ideal age for surgery in Cerebral Palsy is when the person is around 6 - 8 years of age. But it is still possible in our friend. The only difference would be a post surgical approach. In younger children, more focus is on skills training, whereas, in him, it will be directed towards 'retraining' the muscles, especially those used for walking.

He is not al all too old for surgery.

I am extremely sorry for not being able to provide you with any surgeons' references, or about the costs involved. But if you happen to get him to this part of the world, I will be able to help.

Regards

PS: I am from Mumbai.

[MidwifeMom]

Hi there, can't offer much advice to you.  My infant was just born with CP and your email made me cry to know he will have "normal"/fully skilled friends.... you are very kind!  Good luck to your friend...  

[JainMD]

Hi there,
I don't think you should be crying. You should be brave enough and try to do your best; rest god is there to take care.
I hope the best for your child and would pray for him too.
You can try and reduce his physical dependency by giving as much support and physical therapies as possible.
CP children are mentally bright and hence from birth onwards we should aim at reducing there physical depepndencies as they grow up and make them physically as close to normal human as possible.
Keep me informed.
Bye.

[mommyofnathan]

I applaud you.  

[Ericsmom]

I have a 23 year old son who was born with spastic dyplegia. Your description of your friend could be my son! My son, Eric, was fortunate to have a spinal surgery known as 'Selective Posterior Rhizotomy' performed when he was 2 1/2 years old. This allowed for relaxation of the affected extremeties and also provided some extra benefits.It was intense therapy afterwards, but, well worth it.  It was a godsend!!! Eric still has a unique gait and others still view him as 'drunk' but he would have been much worse.  You should contact the Rehabilitaion Institute of Chicago. They offer a pediatric clinic and should certainly be able to direct you to the appropriate center. There is also the orthopedic aspect/surgery your friend may benefit from. again, RIC should be able to direct you. And yes, insurance pays for it.