Types of Surgery for Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder caused by damage to the motor areas of the brain. No cure exists for this condition, but there are surgical treatments available to help patients deal with its symptoms.

Orthopedic Surgery

• Orthopedic surgery may be performed to prevent spinal deformity and reduce muscle contractions. Tendons and muscles may be lengthened during the surgery.

Rhizotomy

• Dorsal root rhizotomy is a surgical procedure during which nerves in the leg are severed to eliminate spasticity. This procedure is still controversial, according to NeurologyChannel.com.

Stereotactic Neurosurgery

• During stereotactic surgery, doctors treat the areas of the brain that are causing issues in specific parts of the body. These procedures may reduce tremors, rigidity, and choreoathetosis.

Stereotactic Thalamotomy

• Stereotactic thalomotomy may decrease hemiparetic tremors. Parts of the thalamus are cut during thalamotomy, posing a significant risk of damage to the patient, according to NeurologyChannel.

Chronic Cerebellar Stimulation

• This experimental procedure involves surgically implanting electrodes on the cerebellum's surface. These electrodes reduce spasticity by stimulating targeted nerves.