Working with the infant-child with hemiplegia: Updates from Head to Toe

Early management of the infant/child with hemiplegia is critical in optimizing overall function. The effects of abnormal tone result in asymmetry, compensatory movement and joint malalignment that compromise the motor control needed for bilateral function and midline orientation, and present significant challenges to therapist. A thorough evaluation of the infant and child is critical to assess specific areas of weakness, sensory neglect, abnormal movement patterns, and alignment. This one-day program will describe treatment options that may assist with planning for the care of the infant/child.

At the conclusion of the program the participants will be able to:

• Discuss corticospinal tract development and adaptations in the infant with hemiplegic cerebral palsy
• Explain role of neuroplasticity in impaired nervous systems in the developing brain and how this can be applied in targeted treatment sessions
• List similarities and differences in the organization of anticipatory postural adjustments in children with typical and atypical motor development and summarize the research findings that have immediate implications for clinical practice
• Apply those findings to design treatment strategies to address feed forward postural control in infants and children with neurological conditions.
• identify the sensory contributions related to reach and hand function in the child with hemiplegia?
• identify treatment strategies to incorporate sensory aspects that address arm and hand impairments in the neurologically involved child?
• Describe the importance of alignment and recognize its influence on movement patterns and motor control
• Discuss lower extremity orthotics for children with hemiplegia and introduce theories and designs to facilitate optimal function and gait