Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong condition that affects movement, muscle tone and coordination. When your child is diagnosed with CP, it can bring many questions and uncertainties about their future. Through early diagnosis and the support of a dedicated care team, many children with CP go on to learn functional skills and achieve important milestones.
At Scottish Rite for Children, every child’s journey with CP is unique. Supporting that journey requires a multidisciplinary team who works together to help each child achieve their goals. For the family of 4-year-old Charlotte, this team approach has made a meaningful difference in their daughter’s life.
As an infant, Charlotte experienced seizures and initially received treatment at another facility in Ohio. Over time, her family noticed she favored using her left hand over her right. Because she experienced a stroke at birth followed by seizures, Charlotte was diagnosed at 1 week old with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy, a form of CP that affects one side of the body. In Charlotte’s case, the condition impacts the right side.
“Before we moved to Dallas, our doctors spoke highly of Scottish Rite’s reputation and capabilities, especially their expertise in pediatric orthopedics and neurological disorders,” says Katie, Charlotte’s mother. “When we made it to Dallas, we made sure that our first step was setting up Charlotte’s care with Scottish Rite.”
Scottish Rite’s care teams share a common goal of empowering children with CP to reach their full potential and navigate their condition at home and in their communities. Charlotte’s treatment plan is led by pediatric orthopedic surgeon Lane Wimberly, M.D., and pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation physician Fabiola I. Reyes, M.D. To improve function and mobility on the right side of Charlotte’s body, specialists in Orthotics & Prosthetics and Occupational Therapy work together to create equipment that supports her mobility goals.
“The care we have received has been nothing short of great,” Katie says. “Since coming to Scottish Rite, we have seen huge strides in Charlotte’s development.”
For Charlotte’s family, her progress reflects the support they have found along the way, which is available for all patient families navigating life with CP. “Raising a child with CP is not something you can ever prepare for,” Katie says. “To have people in your corner fighting for the best care for you and your family is life-changing. Everyone we have encountered at Scottish Rite has been nothing short of incredible. We love it here!”
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