Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of permanent disorders that restrict certain movements because of muscle weakness or stiffness. Since CP can sometimes take a while to show itself in children, there are tests, such as the Pendulum test, that are used to check for spasticity to determine a CP diagnosis. The pendulum test has been determined to be the most appropriate test for measuring spasticity.
The Journal of Neuroengineering and Rehabilitation has published an abstract about the pendulum test. The researchers studied 36 children with CP. Half of them had spastic hemiplegia and the other half had spastic diplegia.
Additionally, 18 children without CP were studied. The results are important, because the pendulum test could not only tell the difference between a child with CP and child without it, but the test could also accurately determine the difference between varying degrees of spasticity.
Tests, such as the pendulum test, are important to physicians and to the family members of a child with CP. The tests can lead to the appropriate therapies and care necessary for raising a child with this disorder.
What is the Difference Between Spastic Diplegia and Spastic Hemiplegia?
The test mentioned above had the precision to isolate children with spastic diplegia from those who had spastic hemiplegia. The following are the differences:
- Spastic diplegia encompasses about 70 percent of all CP cases. It includes extreme stiffness in the muscles of the legs, hips and pelvis. Additionally, it occurs before birth or during the birthing process. Lawsuits are common if the cause of the CP is through hospital negligence.
- Spastic hemiplegia is found in about 20-30 percent of CP cases. It affects only one side of the body, causing that one part of the body to be stiff and weak. This form of CP also occurs before birth or during the birthing process. It can also be caused by hospital error.
Where Can I Find a Birth Injury Attorney in Miami?
The Miami Cerebral Palsy attorneys at Farrell & Patel are ready to assist you if you are considering filing a lawsuit for your child’s cerebral palsy. Contact us today for a consultation.
Farrell & Patel – Birth Injury Lawyers
Source: http://www.jneuroengrehab.com/content/11/1/166/abstract
