Cerebral Palsy: Diagnosis, Treatment and New Research Opportunities

This presentation will review “the changing landscape of CP”, new models of delivering health care and important new research opportunities for preventing brain damage in the baby, most effectively treating the motor, sensory and other neurological consequences of CP, and new evidence that may lead to curative strategies for CP. Finally, due to advances in medical care, children with CP now survive into adulthood and even into “old age”. At present, approximately half of the Americans with CP are adults, and the medical community must respond with appropriate interventions to make aging with disability, pain free, healthful and productive. Advances in technology, neurobiology and pharmacology used appropriately could revolutionize care and promote recovery for the millions of people worldwide with CP and related brain disorders. More research is needed for testing innovative therapies to improve strength, coordination and ambulation in children and adults with CP and related developmental disorders.