The Cerebral Palsy Care Pathway, a pediatric cerebral palsy diagnosis and treatment program at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital, is the first of its kind in North and South Carolina. Based in Winston-Salem, NC, our program specializes in early diagnosis and treatment/care management of cerebral palsy (CP) and has a dedicated nurse navigator to help families coordinate care with pediatric specialists.
Improving outcomes for pediatric cerebral palsy patients and families
The most common cause of childhood disability, CP is the result of damage to the brain. In about half of cases, the damage happens before or around birth. Cerebral palsy affects muscle control, movement, posture and coordination but often is associated with other medical conditions. With proper care from different specialists, most people with CP live as long as people without it.
The Cerebral Palsy Care Pathway addresses two major challenges for patients and their families. First, it encourages early diagnosis by using standardized methods that are accurate for babies as young as a few months old. Earlier diagnosis means earlier intervention and treatment, which can improve long-term outcomes for children with CP.
Second, the program has a dedicated nurse navigator who helps families coordinate their child’s long-term care. Evaluations by key specialists are recommended for all children with CP, and some need additional expert care for specific medical and surgical problems. The nurse navigator acts as a point person and works with clinicians, social workers and schedulers to ensure children diagnosed with CP access to the care they need.
Specialties that diagnose and treat cerebral palsy
Patients in the Cerebral Palsy Care Pathway program see key pediatric specialists with expertise and experience in diagnosis and treatment. Patients also have access to five different multidisciplinary clinics and to any other specialist they may need.
Key pediatric specialties involved in diagnosing cerebral palsy and caring for patients include:
- Developmental and behavioral pediatrics
- Genetics
- Neonatology
- Neurology
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation medicine
Other pediatric specialties (both surgical and nonsurgical) that may be involved in your child’s care include:
