Air Force Clinic to Treat Cerebral Palsy Patients

A new clinic in San Antonio is providing treatment for adults and children who suffer from cerebral palsy. The San Antonio Military Medical Complex Adult and Pediatric Spasticiity Clinic has a team of medical providers who are there to provide a multidisciplinary approach to the condition. There are pediatricians, orthopedic surgeons, physical, occupational and speech therapists, as well as neurosurgeons, educators and nutritionists.

Cerebral palsy affects 1 out of 1000 births every year. Symptoms include difficult movement, loss of depth perception and balance and uncontrolled movements. Some of these individuals also suffer from seizures, speech and mental disorders.

Some of the treatments available at this clinic include implantable pumps, designed to dispense a continuous dosage of medication to reduce cerebral palsy symptoms.

In July 2008, 20-year-old Andy Smith underwent the procedure with quite impressive results. Before he was given the pump, he could hardly use his right hand, couldn't stand upright and needed help doing even the most basic tasks. Now, he is able to use his hand and is even able to stand on his own. He is much more independent now, which does wonders for his self esteem and general outlook on life.

The San Antonio Military Medical Complex was designated a center of excellence for cerebral palsy treatment and has implanted 15 pumps into children over the past five years. This clinic is also the only Department of Defense medical facility which provides this kind of comprehensive treatment.

For more information, please visit http://wwww.af.mil