Common Terminology

Advocate – A professional, parent, friend who speaks on your behalf for the needs of you and your child.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy – Disturbed sense of balance and depth perceptionAthetoid cerebral palsy – Involuntary and uncontrolled movements

Baclofen – A medication that is a muscle relaxant. It can be taken orally or by injection into the spine by a pump.Botox Injections – Can reduce muscle spasticity to assist with physical therapy. Lasting effects are approximately 12 weeks.  

Cerebral Palsy – Inability to fully control motor functionsCommando Crawl – A child pulls himself/herself around by moving on the stomach and pulling with the arms. There is little use of the legs.

Gait Analysis – A test performed on a patient to analyze walking abnormalities and makes recommendations to improve the gait.Occupational Therapist – A healthcare professional whose goal is to improve the performance and promoting adaptations to allow those with disabilities to live healthier, happier, and more productive lives.

Physical Therapist – A healthcare professional who creates a number of exercises including strengthening, stretching, flexibility, mobility, function, and positioning. A plan is designed to be carried through in the home. A cp patient will not be successful without ongoing home therapy. A physical therapist also makes recommendation for needed equipment and modifications. Physical therapists are very important towards achieving independence.Rhizotomy – Surgery that severs the nerves causing spasticity in the spinal cord. Those nerves causing too much muscle tone are cut while keeping the properly working nerves fully intact.

Scissoring – Tight muscles in the hips and legs cause legs to turn inward and cross at the kneesSpastic – Stiffness & difficulty with movement

Spastic Diplegic- stiff or contracted muscles affecting two extremities causing weaknessSpastic Hemiplegia – Stiff or contracted muscles affecting one half of the body, ex. Left leg and arm

Spastic Quadriplegia – Stiff or contracted muscles affecting four extremities causing weaknessSpastic Triplegic- stiff or contracted muscles affecting three extremities causing weakness

TES- Therapeutic Electric Stimulation used to enhance muscle function. Electrical stimulation is sent through electrodes controlled through a monitor. Normally attached at night while patient is sleepingW Sitting – A child sits with legs bent behind in a “W” position. Causes muscles in the back of the leg to become tighter and places stress on the knee joints