Author Archives: Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP

According to a report on DisabilityScoop.com, cerebral palsy can be accurately diagnosed in children as young as age 6 months. The news source reports that a study, published in the September 2017 edition of JAMA Pediatrics, found that doctors can use three tools to diagnose a child if he or she is less than 5 months old: neonatal magnetic resonance imaging, the Prechtl Qualitative Assessment of General Movements and the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination. Children over the age of 5 months may be able to get a diagnosis through an MRI, the study revealed. Children who are diagnosed early or who show symptoms of “high risk of cerebral palsy” can be entered into early treatment and intervention programs. “Early detection of high risk of cerebral palsy, followed by cerebral palsy-specific early intervention, is recommended and should be the standard of care to optimize infant neuroplasticity, prevent complications and enhance parent…
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According to DisabilityScoop, researchers are working with a robotic device that could help children with cerebral palsy gain strength, and improve their posture and walking ability. The website reported that the system is known as the Tethered Pelvic Assist Device, and is being looked at for helping those with a crouch gait improve their abilities so that their hips, knees and ankles do not bend excessively. Researchers discovered that of the 15 people participating in training sessions with the device, six children had improvement in posture and muscle coordination, as well as range-of-motion. The training sessions involved the children wearing the pelvic robot device while walking on a treadmill. The device applies downward force, similar to something a child would encounter if he or she was carrying a backpack. This helps retrain and work certain leg muscles, gaining strength and memory. “Currently, there is no well-established physical therapy or strengthening…
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