What's in a swing?

Aaaahhh......swinging.....an essential part of childhood.

Movement is essential for typical development to occur in all children. Most of us have no problem combining all our senses.
For autistic children and other disorder however, it's a mighty challenging task. Processing stimuli from the senses of sight, smell, sound, touch, taste, balance and body is overwhelming. Those suffering from autism will often withdraw to avoid over stimulation, or try to sort out the input from their senses with self-developed soothing mechanisms and repetitive behaviors.
A significant amount of occupational therapy for special needs focuses on sensory integration through specially designed programs. Some of the greatest tools for sensory integration therapy for autism, cerebral palsy and other type disorders are various types of swings.

Swinging can have powerful impact the brain's ability to process and use sensory information. Whether the child is linear swinging on a strap swing, cuddled up in a net swing for proprioceptive input or spinning in a rotating movement, all of these movements can act as a powerful activator on the body's systems.
People with various autism spectrum disorders such as Autism, PDD, ADHD, Asperger's, proprioceptive dysfunction and tactile defensiveness will benefit from using swings as part of their therapy.
Children, who find the smooth, swaying motion soothing, will relax and unwind while using it. However, children who have a vestibular dysfunction will feel uneasy while in the hammock and might initially protest its use.

For them, hammock therapy is more about regaining equilibrium and learning to tolerate vestibular stimuli. The motion of swinging restores balance to the vestibular system provides proprioceptive input (deep pressure) and generally children feel more "in balance".



The soothing motion of swinging soothes, relaxes and increases concentration. Children who have trouble focusing on tasks such as reading or math, might find it easier to concentrate sitting in a hammock chair, their bodies engaged in a soothing motion.

Therapists, parents and teachers can use swings effectively to reinforce any therapy objectives for children and provide sensory diets for special needs children. In addition, swings can act as a strong motivator. Since all kids like to swing (special needs or not), swinging can be used as a reward for positive behavior.

 




When choosing a swing and swing apparatus it is critical to consider safety at all times.


• Adult supervision is always required at all times.
• Be aware of floor wall and head protection
• Make sure the swings are able to support the user(s).
• Children who are seizure prone may require additional precautions.
• Make sure the child has the ability to stop on their own at a moment's notice.
• The child must want to swing on their own. Never force a child to participate

Happy Swinging!


Image courtesy: makemesomethingspecial.co.uk, how-to-make-tips.com, www.novanatural.com,                                  www.dailymail.co.uk, Geoff Robinson, kidsdreamgym.com

Watch that Splint

I promise this is an interesting topic...

After the Hip Ankle Foot Orthosis (HAFO) was made for Dewunmi who had severe Hemiplegia caused by Cerebral palsy, his mom was so excited but Dewunmi did not like this extra load and inconvenience. He was cranky all through the fittings. 

"Madam I need you to wear him at least 8 hours daily and we have to be consistent because the more he wears it, the better to prevent gradual joint stiffening."

She replied, "Don’t worry, trust me he will wear it even to sleep."

"Ahh!!! No o! Madam this is not a night splint and it could be very uncomfortable, 8 hours is very ok for his age."

After a month, we noticed sores on Dewunmi’s caudal region, I immediately knew that she had ignored my instructions. The HAFO had caused uneven pressure on the caudal bony prominence which had resulted in the development of the sore.

This is why I decided to write a short post on splinting.

Splints and orthosis are temporary devices in neurology used to correct or ensure proper anatomical positioning and sometimes movement and also prevent joint stiffening and subsequent deformity especially for spastic children. It also helps to reduce risk of injury, improve mobility performance and stabilize the joint.

How do Orthosis or splints work?

They work by applying forces to the body. By encompassing parts of the body and preventing movements, muscles and joints can be stretched. Many muscles cross two joints (for example, the calf muscles cross both the ankle and knee). 

To exert stretching effect, either both joints must be held by the device or activities that stretch the joint (passive and active exercises) not in the device should be encouraged. 

Splints and orthosis can also provide stability to help some children stand and walk. 

This is the bio-mechanical explanation of how the device works. 

Materials used include high temperature thermoplast, neoprene and even lycra garments etc.

The following considerations must be properly adhered especially at first fitting and through out the day:

1. Ensure that the splints are well contoured.

2. Always maintain Anti-deformity position (proper body alignment)

3. Snugly position and tighten straps to allow blood flow or veinous return (not too tight, not too      loose).

4. If the splints are too tight or inappropriately placed, circulation is compromised.

5. If a child cannot monitor the status of the affected area, Parents should be instructed to examine the body part for evidence of muscle strain, swelling, redness or sores between straps or muscles around the region.

6. Allow motion out of the splint at periodic interval (parents should learn some passive exercises to perform at these intervals).

7. Avoid or minimize bony prominence.

Foreign Pre-formed Splints

A lot of parents prefer the foreign splints because of the materials and its aesthetic beauty but they have the challenges of “one-size fits no one”  and as such, still have to be custom-fitted by a really experienced Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist and Orthotist.

Lastly, Orthosis are never an answer in themselves but in many cases they are an extension of the therapist’s arm while away from hands-on active treatment.

The usual trend is this, when a splint, orthosis or an assistive device is made for a child, the parents are usually excited and are consistent within the next few months or weeks, after then, they start faltering, becoming inconsistent with some even totally stopping. 

I understand this because I also see this trend in myself (with abstinence from junk food) but for the device to do what it’s made to do, there has to be consistency and proper adherence to the rules.

Image courtesy:  arthritisbroadcastnetwork.org, www.nopcoclinics.com, www.oandp.org

                            haydentrigg.blogspot.com,  www.wannatowel.com, orthoinfo.aaos.org

                            www.dailymail.co.uk, www.ncmedical.com, www.splints.co.za

Teen Carries Brother With Cerebral Palsy.

A terrific story of Family support, power of love and sibling bond

Posted on May 14, 2014

Image courtesy of Google Images and The Huffington Post

Braden Gandee is a 7 year old boy who has trouble walking on his own, but his older brother is there 

 to carry him --- and to fight for his future. Hunter Gandee who is 14 years old, actually carries his 

younger brother Braden who has cerebral palsy. Braden usually walks with the assistance of a walker. If you are not familiar with cerebral palsy, it is a neurological disorder that affects body movements and muscle coordination.
In their hometown, Hunter took it upon himself to educate the people about Braden's condition. On June 7th and 8th, he will carry his brother 40 miles to demonstrate "the physical and mental challenges faced everyday by those affected by cerebral palsy" reported The Huffington Post.

The walk will be difficult, but Hunter and Braden will have their parents drive along the route with them for support. Hunter, who is a wrestler for his high school is fairly strong and has had plenty of practice over the years carrying his brother. "I wrestle, I know what it is to work hard, but it's nowhere near how hard he has to work everyday" Hunter told The Huffington Post about his brother.

Hunter is not just doing the walk for his brother, but to help raise money for the Cerebral Palsy Research Fund. By doing this, Hunter hopes to improve the quality of life for everyone with cerebral palsy.

 Nigerian Parents with special needs kids should know that nurturing and taking care of the marriage is very important. A broken family would hurt a special needs child even further. All family members should pitch in to help give the parents some time to spend alone even if it is only a few hours for a special dinner,outings from time to time.

 Moreover, a typical healthy sibling needs a lot of support as well in the family of a special needs child. I often refer to these kids as “silent victims”, needing a lots of reassurance. Parents need to make sure that each have some alone time with the typical sibling, to discuss issues, watch a movie or just play a game with them so they know they are important too and so they don’t resent their sibling and offer support to him.

Culled from abcnews.go.com

God only gives Special Kids to Special families.

The child with Cerebral Palsy

Hi guys,I have been having issues with internet and my computer,but all has been resolved.I would like to start off with introducing and writing about common paediatric conditions and then move on to various approaches and professionals involved before start talking about therapeutic activities. 
Please feel free to comment,ask questions and put your input on the blog.
Also I am no skilled writer just an aspiring one.So please forgive any typos .

I shall be starting with Cerebral Palsy.I tried to make it as short as possible,so sorry it’s still a bit long.

CEREBRAL PALSY

Cerebral palsy (CP) refers to a group of movement disorders,these conditions are not caused by problems of nerves and muscles.This disorder affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills (the ability to move in a coordinated and purposeful way). CP is usually caused by brain damage that occurs before or start talking about activities.

The brain damage that leads to cerebral palsy can also lead to secondary health issues, including vision, hearing, and speech problems, and learning disabilities.

 Complications are common factors that interrupts normal developmental processes of the brain), during the first 3 to 5 years of a child's life.

There is no cure for CP, but treatment, therapy, special equipments like splints and other orthortic devices and, in some cases, surgery can help a child who is living with the condition.

About Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is one of the most common congenital (existing before birth ,at birth or after birth) disorders of childhood.

The three types of CP are:

1. spastic cerebral palsy — causes stiffness and movement difficulties
2. athetoid cerebral palsy — leads to involuntary and uncontrolled movements
3. ataxic cerebral palsy — causes a disturbed sense of balance and depth perception

Cerebral palsy affects muscle control and coordination, so even simple movements — like crawling,rolling,standing still — are difficult. Other vital functions that also involve motor skills and muscles — such as breathing, bladder and bowel control, eating, and learning — may also be affected when a child has CP. Cerebral palsy does not get worse over time.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

The exact causes of most cases of CP are unknown, but many are the result of problems during pregnancy in which the brain is either damaged or doesn't develop normally. This can be due to infections, maternal health problems, a genetic disorder, or something else that interferes with normal brain development. Problems during labor and delivery can cause CP in some cases. but this is the exception.

Premature babies — particularly those who weigh less than 3.3 pounds (1,510 grams) — have a higher risk of CP than babies that are carried full-term, as are other low birth weight babies and multiple births, such as twins and triplets.

Brain damage in infancy or early childhood can also lead to CP. A baby or toddler might suffer this damage because of lead poisoning, bacterial meningitis,sepsis, malnutrition, being shaken as an infant (shaken baby syndrome), or being in a car accident while not properly restrained.

 

Diagnosing Cerebral Palsy

CP may be diagnosed very early in an infant known to be at risk for developing the condition because of premature birth or other health problems. Doctors, such as pediatricians and developmental and neurological specialists, usually follow these kids closely from birth so that they can identify and address any developmental delays or problems with muscle function that might indicate CP.

In a baby carried to term with no other obvious risk factors for CP, it may be difficult to diagnose the disorder in the first year of life. Often doctors aren't able to diagnose CP until they see a delay in normal developmental milestones (such as reaching for toys by 4 months or sitting up by 7 months), which can be a sign of CP.

Abnormal muscle tone, poorly coordinated movements, and the persistence of infant reflexes beyond the age at which they are expected to disappear also can be signs. If these developmental milestones are only mildly delayed, the diagnosis of CP may not be made until the child is a toddler.

Preventing Cerebral Palsy

In many cases the causes of CP are unknown, so there's no way to prevent it. But if you're having a baby, you can take steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy and carry the baby to term, thus lowering the risk that your baby will have CP.

Before becoming pregnant, it's important to maintain a healthy diet and make sure that any medical problems are managed properly. As soon as you know you're pregnant, proper prenatal medical care (including prenatal vitamins and avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs) is vital. If you are taking any medications, review these with your doctor and clarify if there are any side effects that can cause birth defects.

Controlling diabetes, anemia, hypertension, seizures, and nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy can help prevent some premature births and, as a result, some cases of cerebral palsy.

Once your baby is born there are actions you can take to lower the risk of brain damage, which could lead to CP. Never shake an infant, as this can lead to shaken baby syndrome and brain damage. If you're riding in a car, make sure your baby is properly strapped into an infant car seat that's correctly installed — if an accident occurs, the baby will be as protected as possible.

 Be aware of lead exposure in your house,exposure to generator set fumes. Remember to have your child get his or her immunizations on time — these shots protect against serious infections, some of which can cause brain damage resulting in CP.

How Cerebral Palsy Affects Development

Kids with CP have varying degrees of physical disability. Some have only mild impairment, while others are severely affected. This depends on the extent of the damage to the brain. For example, brain damage can be very limited, affecting only the part of the brain that controls walking, or can be much more extensive, affecting muscle control of the entire body.

The brain damage that causes CP can also affect other brain functions, and can lead to other medical issues. Associated medical problems may include visual impairment or blindness, hearing loss, food aspiration (the sucking of food or fluid into the lungs), gastroesophageal reflux (spitting up), speech problems, drooling, tooth decay, sleep disorders, osteoporosis (weak, brittle bones), and behavior problems.

Seizures, speech and communication problems, and mental retardation are more common among kids with the most severe forms of CP. Many have problems that may require ongoing therapy and devices such as braces or wheelchairs.

Treatment of Cerebral Palsy

Currently there's no cure for cerebral palsy, but a variety of resources and therapies can provide help and improve the quality of life for kids with CP.

Different kinds of therapy can help them achieve maximum potential in growth and development. As soon as CP is diagnosed, a child can begin therapy for movement, learning, speech, hearing, and social and emotional development.

In addition, medication, surgery, or braces can help improve muscle function. Orthopedic surgery can help repair dislocated hips and scoliosis (curvature of the spine), which are common problems associated with CP. 

Severe muscle spasticity can sometimes be helped with medication taken by mouth or administered via a pump (the baclofen pump) implanted under the skin(see your Doctor for further information)

A variety of medical specialists might be needed to treat the different medical conditions. (For example, a neurologist might be needed to treat seizures or a pulmonologist might be needed to treat breathing difficulties.) 
If several medical specialists are needed, it's important to have a primary care doctor or a CP specialist help you coordinate the care of your child.
A team of professionals will work with you to meet your child's needs. That team may include therapists, psychologists, educators, nurses, and social workers.
Many resources are available to help and support you in caring for your child.

Stem cells
 Stem researchers  are of the opinion that  traditional treatments could improve motor functions in a certain extent, but in reality they are not aimed at treating the cause of the disease.
No matter what caused cerebral palsy, there is a decrease in the number of brain nerve cells with normal function. The traditional treatments are not able to increase the number of nerve cells in the brain, neither to have the nerve damage repaired.

Through years of research and therapeutic practice, WSCMC discovered that neural stem cell implantation treatment not only can effectively increase the number of brain nerve cells, but also is able to start the re-development of the neurological process. The treatments are combined with the necessary drugs and rehabilitation, so that 80% transplanted neural cells are able to show function, so as to make the patients obtain much more improvements in neurological function.

However U.S national Institute of health is still gathering data to study the efficacy of stem cells.

Botox treatment-Best known for reducing wrinkles on the face have been discovered to relax spastic cerebral palsy.very limited researches back this claims

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy uses a special chamber, sometimes called a pressure chamber, to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood. The air pressure inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber is about two and a half times greater than the normal pressure in the atmosphere. This helps your blood carry more oxygen to organs and tissues in your body.

It has been used in a number of cerebral palsy cases BUT cerebral palsy is NOT one of its treatment indications. 

The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society recommends  that HBO₂ should not be used for any other indication except in the context of controlled clinical trials. Although HBO₂ is relatively safe, like stem cells  until the results of a randomized, controlled trial are available, we would suggest that HBO₂ not be recommended as a treatment for CP in children.

Images courtesy of: childrenshospitaltrust.org.za
                                    actnts.com
                                    www.rch.org.au
                                    www.cbm.org   
                                    www.inhabitots.com   
                                    www.carseatsbaby.net    
                                     www.livingwithcerebralpalsy.com   
                                    www.celebritydiagnosis.com                                  
references
 http://www.medicinenet.com/cerebral-palsy
 http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/cerebral_palsy.
 http://www.unistemcells.com/en/treatment/treat_CerebralPalsy.htm
 http://www.news-medical.net/news/2004/09/12/4715.aspx