Adaptive Equipment

Equipment designed to increase the abilities of the disabled individual.

AFO's

Light-weight leg braces that generally fit below the knee, also known as Ankle-Foot-Orthesis.

Ataxia

A type of CP where the individual has floppy, weak or jerky muscle tone.

Athetoid

A type of CP that includes floppy and rigid muscle tone.

Baclofen

A medication used to reduce spasticity.

Baclofen Pumps

In cases of severe spasticity, Dr's may resort to a pump to administer medication on a constant basis.

Botox Injections

Botox is used to temporarily paralyze muscles, which in turn reduces spasticity and spasms.

Cerebral Palsy

A neurological injury that occurs prior to, during, or shortly after birth.

Hemiplegia

A type of CP that only affects one side of the individual's body.

Hypotonia

A term used to describe low or floppy muscle tone.

Muscle tone

Defines the condition of the muscles. Muscles that are affected by CP will be either floppy and loose or stiff and rigid. Poor muscle tone limits movement.

Occupational therapy

Therapy designed to enable the individual to work with their arms and hands.

Physical therapy

Therapy designed to improve mobility and keep muscles stretched.

Rhizotomy

A surgical procedure to decrease spasticity.  It has been found to be most effective in those who have Spastic Diplegia.

Spastic CP

A diagnosis used when the muscle tone is high, stiff, or tight, making movement jerky and difficult.

Spastic Diplegia

The CP affects the legs, more than the arms and hands.

Spasticity

Terminology used to describe stiff, tight, or rigid muscle tone.

Speech therapy

Therapy used to increase communication skills.   It may also include teaching sign language or using a communication device.

Valium

A relaxant prescribed to reduce spasticity.
 

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