Cerebral Palsy Research Projects

The Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation has announced the funding of four new research projects through a grant from the Hearst Foundation.

Dr. Patrick Kanold of the University of Maryland will study mechanisms of how prenatal injury to white matter leads to symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy.

Dr. Ruth Benedict of the University of Wisconsin at Madison will study the long-term health outcomes of intrathecal baclofen, a popular treatment for muscle spasticity, in children and young adults with cerebral palsy. There is very little knowledge on how the long-term use of this treatment will affect the adult with cerebral palsy in terms of well-being, function, burden of care and social participation

Studies Seek to Advance Treatment for Patients with Cerebral Palsy

Dr. Christine Houlihan of the University of Virginia School of Medicine will assess bone growth and structure in pre-pubertal and adolescent children with cerebral palsy. This study is expected to yield information as to when and what type of intervention can be used to maximize bone accrual in this critical period so that future fracture risks in this susceptible population are minimized

Dr. Scott Rivkees of the Yale University School of Medicine will investigate the ability of a drug already used in the clinical treatment of chronic hypertension to favorably influence white matter development in the premature infant brain, thereby preventing a major cause of cerebral palsy. This could lead to a very early neuroprotective treatment for premature infants.

The Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation was formerly called the United Cerebral Palsy Research and Educational Foundation.

(Source: Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation)

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