Clinic treats adults, children for cerebral palsy

  • Published
  • By Sue Campbell
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
SAN ANTONIO (AFNS) --  Officials at a new clinic are providing comprehensive treatment for adults and children suffering from cerebral palsy at the San Antonio Military Medical Complex, formerly called the Wilford Hall Medical Center.

The San Antonio Military Medical Complex Adult and Pediatric Spasticity Clinic is staffed by a team of medical specialists who provide a multidisciplinary approach to treating the condition.

"Our treatment is a team effort combining the expertise of pediatricians, orthopedic surgeons, physical, occupational and speech therapists, social workers, neurologists, neurosurgeons, educators and nutritionists," said Maj. (Dr.) Brian Faux, a pediatric neurologist at San Antonio Military Medical Complex. "So many specialists are involved with each patient, including staff from Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio."

Cerebral palsy is a broad term used to describe a group of chronic movement or posture disorders that affects between 1 out of every 1,000 births each year. Symptoms include difficult or stiff movement, loss of depth perception and balance, and uncontrolled or involuntary movements. Some individuals also suffer from seizures and speech, vision and intellectual disorders.

Among the treatments available to patients are implantable pumps that dispense a continuous dose of medication to help reduce cerebral palsy symptoms.

In July 2008, 20-year-old Andy Smith underwent this procedure with impressive results.

"Before the pump, I could hardly use my right hand, could not stand upright, and needed help with almost everything, even using the restroom," said Mr. Smith, who is a student at the University of Texas, San Antonio, and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at age 2. "Now, I can use my hand, allowing me to do simple things most people take for granted. My typing speed has doubled, which really helps with my classes. I can stand and hopefully will be able to move from a wheelchair to crutches and then a walker soon."

Mr. Smith's improvements have affected his family dramatically.

"He is much more independent," said Mr. Smith's mother, Elahe. "He can now transfer himself into his wheelchair without help. He can dress and take care of himself much more. Our lives have completely changed."

The San Antonio Military Medical Complex clinic was designated a center of excellence for cerebral palsy treatment and has implanted 15 pumps into children in the last five years. The clinic is the only Department of Defense medical facility providing this type of comprehensive treatment.

"I would like to see children with cerebral palsy being implanted at a much younger age, before they start losing muscle and are wheelchair bound," Dr. Faux said. "It's important that we get the word out that we offer this treatment." 

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