8-year-old with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy is moving through the world more easily following specialized surgery at CHoR
Basketball, baseball and even trampoline parks – no matter the activity, 8-year-old Asher came to play. We first told you about this little athlete 3 years ago, after his mom sought a special course of treatment for Asher’s spastic diplegic cerebral palsy at CHoR.
The condition results from a brain injury at birth and causes increased muscle tone and weakness, and impacts movement in the legs. Many kids with the condition receive Botox, physical therapy and medications, but those frequent treatments made Asher anxious.
Their doctor at another children’s hospital told them about a specialized neurosurgical procedure at CHoR called selective dorsal rhizotomy. The minimally invasive surgery can help kids with Asher’s condition who are good walkers, walk even better.
Changing the way some patients with cerebral palsy live their lives
Since the surgery, his mom Julie says Asher is doing things that he couldn’t before.
“He has gotten to play on special needs sports teams and has gotten so much better playing at the trampoline park. I really don’t believe we would be at this place with him without the SDR surgery.”
Compassionate care for the entire family
Pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. Ann Ritter, performs the procedure and others like it and makes it her mission to care for not just kids like Asher, but also their parents.
“That’s why I came into pediatric neurosurgery not only do I help the patient, but mom is so excited to see all the things that her son wasn’t doing before, so I have basically given brightness to both of these family members,” said Dr. Ritter.
And Julie felt like both she and Asher were very well taken care of.
“Her demeanor, her wherewithal, her confidence in what she’s doing said everything to me that she’s got my child’s best interests in the palm of her hands and she’s going to take care of him,” said Julie.
Now, Asher just needs to have yearly check-ups with CHoR to check on his progress, and his mom said Asher is stronger than ever.
“He has come such a long way,” said Julie.