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Center for Cerebral Palsy

James Gage, M.D., program medical director
Sue Murr, program manager, 651-290-8712, 866-881-7386 (toll-free)

Modern, Effective Cerebral Palsy Treatment

The Center for Cerebral Palsy at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare offers comprehensive, coordinated care that can reduce the symptoms of cerebral palsy. At Gillette's clinics throughout Minnesota -- St. Paul, Brainerd Lakes, Burnsville, Duluth, Maple Grove and Minnetonka -- our medical and rehabilitation specialists provide a broad range of services to meet the needs of children, adolescents and adults with cerebral palsy. Because cerebral palsy requires lifelong management and care, we also offer transition assistance for teens and adult care at Gillette Lifetime Specialty Healthcare.

As a leader in health-care for people with cerebral palsy, patients from around the globe are drawn to our center’s multidisciplinary medical team, advanced diagnostic techniques and innovative treatments.

A Team Approach to Cerebral Palsy Care

Because every patient who comes to Gillette’s Center for Cerebral Palsy brings a unique combination of strengths and weaknesses, we tailor our services to address individual needs and challenges. Specialists in a broad array of medical fields form multidisciplinary teams to evaluate patients. Our experts then work closely with patients and their families to develop comprehensive treatment plans.

Cerebral palsy describes a group of chronic disorders and associated developmental delays caused by damage to a child’s brain before, during or shortly after birth. There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but we can manage its symptoms, such as spasticity (abnormally tight muscles) and effect on movement. Gillette treats all types of cerebral palsy:

Spastic Cerebral Palsy (including monoplegia, diplegia, hemiplegia, triplegia and quatriplegia)
Athetoid Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
Mixed Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy Specialists and Related Services

Although the damage that causes cerebral palsy occurs in the brain, the resulting motor-control and muscle-tone problems may require additional care. Gillette’s Center for Cerebral Palsy offers a wide range of specialists, services and clinics to help children with cerebral palsy maximize abilities and reach their full potential.

Center for Gait and Motion Analysis

Specialists in our Center for Gait and Motion Analysis use state-of-the-art computer technology to analyze how muscles, joints and nerves work together in patients with cerebral palsy. Findings can help determine treatments that make walking and movement easier.

Spasticity Evaluation Clinic

Cerebral palsy can create difficulties with muscle tone, called spasticity. Spasticity hinders movement, shortens muscles and twists bone. Our Spasticity Evaluation Clinic identifies problems related to muscle tone and helps determine the best course of care.

Pediatric Orthopedics

Cerebral palsy can cause abnormal reflexes and muscle tone, which can lead to malformed bones and joints. Our orthopedic specialists identify muscle contractures and bone deformities caused by muscle-tone issues – including dislocated hips, scoliosis, and arm or hand deformities – and recommend treatment.

Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine

Pediatric rehabilitation medicine specialists evaluate spasticity and other conditions that often accompany cerebral palsy. They discuss the need for rehabilitation services with patients and families, order therapy, prescribe medications and recommend specialized equipment.

Pediatric Neurology

Children with certain forms of cerebral palsy are more likely than most people to experience seizures. Our pediatric neurologists and neuropsychologists evaluate patients and educate families about seizure management.

Rehabilitation Therapies

Gillette’s Rehabilitation Therapies department helps children gain the skills to be more self-sufficient. Our therapists work together with families and physician rehabilitation specialists to create customized care plans for each patient. Therapies offered at Gillette include:

Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Speech and Language pathology

Assistive Technology Department

The motor control and muscle tone issues associated with cerebral palsy can make everyday functions a challenge. Gillette’s assistive technology specialists design equipment that contributes to tone management and maximizes independence, including seating systems, orthoses (braces), walkers and adaptive household equipment, such as adaptive beds and bath chairs.

Medications

Oral or injected medication can help compensate for a lack of normal signals between the brain and the muscles. Injected medications, such as botumlinum toxin (type A) and phenol can help relax abnormally tight muscles.

Cerebral Palsy Surgery

For some patients, surgical procedures are an appropriate part of tone-management plans. We work closely with families to discuss surgical options, and closely assess patients before recommending surgery.