St. Louis Children’s Hospital

Specialized procedures at the Cerebral Palsy Center Include:

1. Baclofen Pump
   
   Baclofen is a drug used to treat spasticity. The pump permits more effective delivery of this drug directly to the nerve cells in the spinal cord.
   
   Surgery is required to insert the pump under the skin over the abdomen and an indwelling catheter into the fluid space around the spinal cord. The advantages of the pump over oral medication are that it yields better and longer lasting reductions in spasticity with less risk of lethargy or confusion.
   
   
2. Botox Injections
   
   Botulinum-A Toxin, also called Botox, is a substance made by bacteria. This toxin can be purified and used safely and effectively to reduce spasticity in specific muscle groups.
   
   Botox is administered by direct injection into a shortened muscle (for example a spastic calf muscle causing a tight heel cord) to temporarily weaken that muscle and allow it to stretch. The effects of Botox are not permanent; weakness typically lasts for a few months. In some cases, patients may require repeated injections to treat a shortened muscle.
   
   
3. Evaluation 
   
   Patients are evaluated for prosthetics, orthotics and specific equipment.