The diagnosis of Spasticity can be overwhelming for families and patients. Spasticity is a condition in which damage to the brain or spinal cord causes muscles to become stiff, spasm, and involuntarily contract. Children affected by these conditions often
require extensive rehabilitation and multiple surgical treatments, often leaving families with many questions.
The Spasticity Clinic at the Children's Hospital of Michigan is here to help you and your child . The Spasticity Clinic is believed to be the only program of its kind in metropolitan Detroit. The center offers a one stop, spasticity care solution for
children with multiple neurosurgical and rehabilitative needs. Our dedicated pediatric team include:
- Neurosurgeon
- Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Physician
- Rehabilitation Physician Assistant
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Pediatric Therapist
- Speech and Language Pathologist
- Orthotist
Additionally, the clinic also has a Nurse Navigator on staff that is entirely focused on your child receiving the care that they deserve. The team works with you and your child to identify the most appropriate treatment plan and can help you through every
step of the process – from your initial consultation to after surgery rehabilitation. Not only is your child evaluated by our team of nationally ranked professionals, they are assessed with validated measures, which are tracked over time to
observe their progress.
Clinical Research
Dr. Erika Erlandson, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Dr. Neena Marupudi, Chief of Neurosurgery, are leading the way in our comprehensive Spasticity Clinic. They are members of the Cerebral Palsy (CP) Research Network, a collaborative network
of physicians and researcher dedicated to improving the lives of those living with CP.
Treatment Options
- What is Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy?
Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy (ITB) delivers a liquid form of baclofen into the spinal fluid to treat spasticity using a device called a baclofen pump. The pump is a round metallic disc that is surgically
implanted under the skin of the abdomen. It will be discussed during your clinic visit if your child is a good candidate for ITB Therapy and pump placement as spasticity treatment.
- What is Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR)?
Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), is a minimally invasive spinal surgery performed by a pediatric neurosurgeon. The procedure is often done on young children, typically 3-7 years old, with conditions
of spasticity to improve mobility and leg function and encourage independent walking.
To have your child evaluated for a Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy or an Intrathecal Baclofen Pump at our Spasticity Clinic, reach out to our Nurse Navigator with patient name and a contact number:
Phone: 313-402-0342
Email: [email protected]
