Care for people with cerebral palsy is complex and requires the expertise of a variety of health care providers from multiple specialty areas. At University of Michigan Health, nationally recognized specialists work together to provide comprehensive, coordinated care for people with cerebral palsy including cutting edge research and treatment. The comprehensive cerebral palsy team is made up of the following professionals:

• Clinical nurse specialists
• Developmental pediatricians
• Neurologists
• Neuropsychologists
• Neurosurgeons
• Occupational therapists
• Ophthalmologists
• Orthopedic surgeons
• Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Specialists
• Physical therapists
• Recreational therapists
• Rehabilitation engineers
• Speech and language pathologists

Schedule an Appointment at 734-936-7175.

For adolescents with cerebral palsy, our multidisciplinary Physical Disabilities Transitional Care & Adult Clinic assists adolescent patients with the transition of medical care from pediatric to adult specialists. The clinic combines the expertise of pediatric and adult care specialists in urology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, gynecology and social work.

Learn about the Adult Cerebral Palsy Clinic

People with cerebral palsy can have problems with:

• Control of movement
• Muscle tone
• Weakness
• Reflexes
• Balance

There may also be additional medical and cognitive difficulties that are associated with damage to the brain. Other symptoms may include:

• Swallowing disorders
• Seizures
• Constipation
• Excessive drooling
• Learning disabilities

As cerebral palsy is complex and differing degrees, the treatment options are just as diverse. At U-M a patient will most likely been seen in the pediatric and adult rehabilitation clinic, however depending on their treatment plan they could also be seen in more specific rehabilitation or surgical areas.

• Pediatric and Adult Rehabilitation Clinic – designed to meet the needs of patients across the lifespan, including adulthood.
• Orthopaedic Clinics –  Specialists in surgery for bone, joint and spine problems in cerebral palsy.
• Milestones – a dedicated pediatric outpatient rehabilitation clinic. The programs are designed to promote development, boost independence and assist in learning to incorporate therapeutic activities and exercises at home.
• Comprehensive Hand and Arm Movement Program (CHAMP) – this intensive three week program involves restricting a child’s less affected hand and arm.
• Spasticity intervention program – Spasticity is an abnormality in muscle tone and often a component of cerebral palsy. The program approaches spasticity with oral medications, physical therapy, intrathecal baclofen therapy and neurosurgical treatments.
• Adapted cognitive assessment clinic – provides cognitive evaluations for children and adolescents who are unable to participate in traditional neuropsychological testing due to a variety of barriers including, difficulties in movement or speech.

Patients could also work with rehabilitation engineers that advise in the use and development of assistive technology aids; the Orthotics and Prosthetics Center which provides multiple services from off-the-shelf to custom made orthotics and braces; and wheelchair and equipment specialists that will help with mobility and home equipment needs. We also offer mentoring opportunities for individuals with cerebral palsy which are provided through a partnership with the Center for Independent Living. 

Every day, U-M Health clinicians and researchers strive to find new therapies and techniques to improve quality of life for individuals living with cerebral palsy. In addition to giving our patients early access to groundbreaking therapies, our extensive involvement in research results in our faculty having a unique understanding of the causes and impacts of cerebral palsy on both adults and children.