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The Center for Cerebral Palsy at LuskinOIC is dedicated to improving motor function in children through early, novel diagnostics, comprehensive assessment and individualized treatment. Because cerebral palsy is a complex neurological disorder affecting various aspects of balance, strength, coordination and muscle tone, our team of medical experts takes an interdisciplinary approach to accomplishing its mission.
The Center for Cerebral Palsy at UCLA/LuskinOIC is renowned for excellence in clinical treatment, research and education. We are the premiere interdisciplinary clinic in Los Angeles that evaluates and treats individuals with cerebral palsy throughout the lifespan.
Our specialists see patients at 2 convenient locations and perform in-depth evaluations of movement disorders at the Kameron Gait and Motion Analysis Laboratory. At the Lab, we are able to obtain an in-depth understanding of an affected individuals’ movement patterns – crucial information that informs treatment decisions such as orthopaedic surgery, physical therapy, bracing and medication.
At LuskinOIC, we take a collaborative approach to diagnosing and treating cerebral palsy. Our team of experts are led by:
Our physicians are supported by a specialized primary and extended* team of medical professionals exclusively focused on pediatric orthopedics. This team may include:
*Extended team members work in collaboration with the Center through its affiliation with UCLA but are not on-site at every clinical appointment.
Physical and occupational therapy are important parts of early intervention for children with cerebral palsy. CCS-paneled therapists in both fields with expertise in treating patients with neuromuscular diseases including cerebral palsy evaluate and treat patients at LuskinOIC’s department of physical and occupational therapy 5 days a week.
Our pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Rachel Thompson, is the primary physician who cares for musculoskeletal problems associated with cerebral palsy. One of her main roles is to monitor the development of a child’s musculoskeletal system, including the hips and spine, until they are fully grown, to recommend appropriate interventions when necessary and perform surgery when other, less invasive, modalities have been exhausted.
In addition to orthopedic surgery, therapy and bracing, we offer spasticity management treatments that can increase ease of movement and decrease unwanted muscle activity in children. These treatments include in-clinic neurotoxin injections (Botox and Dysport), intrathecal Baclofen pump insertion and management and selective posterior rhizotomy in consultation with our neurosurgery colleagues at UCLA.