16 Jan Neurosurgical Approaches to Spasticity in Children
ANA’s Dr. Arno Fried discussed the approaches to spasticity in children, particularly the treatment using selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery.
He introduced some of the latest treatments including non-surgical options of:
- Baclofan
- Dantrolene
- Botox injections
- casting with an emphasis on physical and occupational therapies for considering surgical options.
Dr. Fried presented his expertise to local pediatricians and nursing staff while conducting grand rounds at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ on Jan. 13.
Dr. Fried provided an in-depth explanation of the effects to reflex and muscle-tone. He highlighted key indicators of pediatric patients who may be considered as candidates for the SDR procedure and also the use of an Intrathecal Baclofan pump.
Dr. Fried highlighted the goals and advantages of rhizotomy operations and how to best address any potential complications. He also presented statistics on cerebral palsy and the movement disorders accompanied by this diagnosis and reviewed the Ashworth Scale of spasticity treatment outcomes using patient footage before/during/after SDR procedures to mark the significant improvements to motor function and movement capabilities in children as young as 3 years.
The emphasis of Dr. Fried’s was on the importance of a team approach involving the pediatric neurosurgeon, pediatricians, nursing staff, physical and occupational therapists, pediatric neurologists and orthopedics, orthotics, and social workers to engage the medical community to provide to most effective outcomes in children with spasticity.
ANA is a team of expert neurosurgeons and medical professionals, who combine their decades of knowledge to provide information, events, and articles on a range of neurological conditions.