Ambattur Rotary Hospital

Rehabilitation of children affected with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a non-progressive disorder of the brain which affects children either before or during or after birth and results in musculoskeletal disabilities ranging from mild to severe. A child afflicted with cerebral palsy is unable to crawl, sit, walk or run at the right age and has difficulty in maintaining posture. This is because the muscles are spastic or the joints are deformed. About 40% of them have associated problems such as convulsions (seizures), difficulty in swallowing, visual and communication related abnormalities. On an average, 2 or 3 in every 1000 children are affected by Cerebral Palsy.

Rehabilitation is a crucial step in treatment and works effectively if instituted at early stages. Neuromuscular channels can be recreated and motion can be initiated through proper techniques. To address this need, a Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation Unit was started at our Rotary Hospital in 2006. We offer comprehensive treatment packages by our expert team comprising of rehabilitation specialists, orthopedic surgeons and physiotherapists. So far, over 1000 children have been evaluated and treated in our Rotary Hospital. We are fully equipped with state of the art equipments like Therasuits, Hydrotheraphy, etc.

Other equipments are X-box, neuromuscular electrical simulation (NMES) apparatus, functional electrical stimulators (FES), body weight supported theadmill and cage suspension therapy. The child gradually gains motor control as the exercises are transformed into functional activities like playing, writing, eating etc. which are required to start an independent life.

On an average, 25 to 30 children attend these programs daily except on Sundays. To ensure their safety, they are picked up from select points and dropped back. The rehabilitation program takes anywhere between three to twelve months. Parents also get trained to continue the exercises at home.

Ambattur Rotary Hospital, established in 1988, is a testimony of the unstinted devotion and dedication of Rotarians and Rotary Club of Ambattur. Particularly, with Cerebral Palsy unit, we have provided uninterrupted services and brought light into the lives of more than 1000 children affected with Cerebral Palsy. We were able to improve the quality of life of the children by providing world class rehabilitation treatment with advanced instruments and in house techniques of our staff which brings in immense confidence and self motivation in children. We are pledging to continue our journey in serving the needy and improve their quality of life. We are also very happy to be part of bringing equality and equal opportunity for the disabled children in the community.