Spasticity Evaluation Clinic

Gillette’s Spasticity Evaluation Clinic brings together a multidisciplinary team of medical experts to assess how spasticity impacts a child’s movement. A thorough evaluation gives us the information we need to make treatment recommendations. Click here for more information about spasticity.

Evaluation Process

Center for Gait and Motion Analysis.

Spasticity evaluation begins with our Center for Gain and Motion Analysis. Physicians and physical therapists use sophisticated video and computer technology to identify muscle, joint and nerve problems. We also obtain valuable information on abnormal muscle tone and bone deformities caused by spasticity.

Rehabilitation Therapies

Following gait and motion analysis, rehabilitation therapists assess a child’s body movements and share their assessments with physicians. We evaluate:

• Passive range of motion – how far a child’s arms and legs can move
• Functional skills – a child’s ability to roll, sit, stand or walk
• Strength
• Ability to participate in therapy

 

Medical Specialists

Our physicians gather all available information – including gait and motion analysis findings, X-rays and imaging studies – then work together to identify and agree on a treatment approach. Three types of medical specialists are involved in a spasticity evaluation:

Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine

Our pediatric rehabilitation medicine physicians assess how spasticity affects a child’s mobility, daily activities and care needs. They develop goals to guide treatment plans, order rehabilitation therapy, and recommend medications and assistive equipment.

Pediatric Neurosurgery

Pediatric neurosurgeons study the brain, spinal cord and nervous system to determine the biological factors causing spasticity. Our neurosurgeons also perform surgical procedures that can reduce spasticity.

Pediatric Orthopaedics

Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons determine how spasticity impacts a child’s bones, muscles and ability to control body movements. They may recommend orthopaedic surgery to correct muscle contractures and bone deformities that can result from spasticity.

Child and Family Services

Social workers in our Child and Family Services department educate children and families about spasticity and discuss treatment options. If surgery is planned, Child Life Specialists help children cope with fears about medical procedures and concerns about hospitalization.

Referrals and Appointments

For more information on Gillette’s Spasticity Management Clinic, contact our Center for Cerebral Palsy at 651-290-8712 or 800-719-4040 (toll-free). To refer a patient or to schedule an appointment for a new patient, call 651-290-8707 or 800-719-4040 (toll-free).

For more information on spasticity management services for adults, contact Gillette Lifetime Specialty Healthcare at 651-636-9443 or 800-578-4266 (toll-free).