Healthcare Teams
The child's healthcare team
may vary from one year to the next, depending on the type of cerebral palsy
that the child has, as well as associated medical conditions and complications.
Typically, members of the
treatment team for a child with CP include:
- A primary care physician
to manage the child's general health and coordinate input from specialists
and consultants.
- Pediatric neurologists,
pediatric physiatrists, and/or developmental pediatricians experienced in
working with children who have developmental delays.
- Orthopedists, neurosurgeons,
urologists, gastroenterologists, EENT physicians, and other specialists skilled
in dealing with particular medical or surgical problems.
- Physical and occupational
therapists, speech and language pathologists, audiologists, vision specialists,
and others experienced in working with specific cognitive and/or physical
impairments.
- Psychologists, including
neuropsychologists, to help families and patients cope with the CP and maximize
the child's potential.
- Nurses, who can play
a wide variety of roles: case management, acute care, home health, patient
and family education, and educational outreach.
Instant
Feedback:
All
children with CP should consult with a specific set of healthcare specialists.