Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of persistent motor disorders caused by non-progressive brain damage during the perinatal period. The presentation depends on the form (spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, mixed) and severity: muscle tone disturbances, delayed motor milestones, stiffness, gait disorders, poor coordination, and weak fine motor skills. Oral-motor problems, speech delay, cognitive differences, and epilepsy frequently coexist. The brain lesion itself does not progress, but the clinical picture may change as the child grows — which is why rehabilitation in CP must be long-term, systematic, and staged.

At H&B Neurolife International Rehabilitation Center (Shangrao), the minimum recommended course of comprehensive rehabilitation for CP is 2–3 months. This is determined by the nature of the disorder: meaningful changes on the GMFM scale and in functional status require time and systematic work. The program combines all directions of the center: a biomedical core — active stem cell therapy (restoration of damaged neural networks, anti-inflammatory effect, neuroregeneration) and neuroregulation; instrument-based physiotherapy — TMS, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and a swallowing stimulation device when oral-motor problems are present; TCM methods — pediatric acupuncture and Tui Na massage, with Chinese herbal medicine when indicated; and rehabilitation courses — PT, occupational therapy, sensory integration, oral-motor and speech therapy, and self-care training.

What parents should know

After the initial GMFM assessment and comprehensive examination, specialists draft a detailed plan tailored to the form and severity of CP, taking into account any accompanying conditions. Regular reassessment shows progress in numbers and allows the program to be adjusted. Parents are taught Tui Na techniques and exercises for mandatory home-based rehabilitation of at least 1 hour per day. When epilepsy is a comorbidity, the program is coordinated with the treating neurologist; severe, frequent seizures require prior stabilization at a specialized clinic.

Required examinations

Before rehabilitation begins, it helps to have examination results on hand. Valid reports do not need to be redone — they are accepted within the time windows below.

Valid within 3–6 months

• Hip joint X-ray
• EEG (electroencephalography)
• Brain MRI
• ECG
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Echocardiography (heart ultrasound)
• EMG (electromyography)
• C-reactive protein

Valid within 3 months

• Vitamin B12
• Folic acid
• Bone densitometry

Valid within 1 month

• Liver function tests
• Complete blood count
• Kidney function tests

The exact list and validity of examinations are confirmed by the clinic individually, depending on the child's condition and the results already available.