Michael J. Noetzel, MD
Director, Division of Pediatric Neurology
St. Louis Children’s Hospital
- Co-Director of the Brachial Plexus Palsy Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, one of the largest in the United States. The Center works to improve the treatment of brachial plexus injury, which can occur when a baby's shoulder gets caught in the birth canal during delivery. The main result of this injury is weak or paralyzed muscles in the shoulder, arm, and hand.
- Dr. Noetzel is a professor of neurology and pediatrics at Washington University School of Medicine
- Specializes in treating children who have hydrocephaly, chronic headaches, and brachial plexus palsy.
Notable Quotes from Dr. Noetzel
Dr. Noetzel on diagnosing and determining the extent of brain injury:
“Ever-improving diagnostic tools have made it possible for doctors to predict future challenges in children with brain injuries. We do a much better job today of directing a child's therapy based on the information we receive from MRIs. Now we can sit down with the family early in the rehabilitation process and let them know what they can expect as their child recovers from brain injury.”
Dr. Noetzel on recent advancements in the treatment of brain injury:
“The key to recovery from brain injury is how well the child's emergency and intensive care are delivered. Improvements made here make it possible for children who would not have survived their brain injuries 10 years ago to not only survive, but be rehabilitated today.”
Dr. Noetzel on the importance of early intervention in treating children with brachial plexus injury:
“Fortunately, most infants with brachial plexus injury make a complete spontaneous recovery. Among infants who do not recover spontaneously, some will require physical therapy and occupational therapy only, and others will need both therapy and surgery.In all cases, treatment must be started early to ensure the greatest improvement.”