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Pediatric Physiatrist - Chapel Hill, NC

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What is Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine?

Pediatric rehabilitation medicine (PRM) is a medical specialty that treats children with neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions include congenital and acquired disorders such as cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injury. Pediatric rehabilitation medicine specialists diagnose, manage, and treat these disorders, often caring for children over a number of years. They are physicians with additional training in rehabilitation medicine and pediatrics . While the disorders pediatric rehabilitation medicine specialists treat are frequently associated with limited mobility, they can also be present as psychosocial and cognitive differences. To best treat their patients, pediatric rehabilitation medicine professionals work in multidisciplinary teams providing a wide variety of medical and therapeutic treatments.

This comprehensive care strategy prepares children to lead independent and thriving lives. Pediatric rehabilitation medicine specialists see patients with the following disorders, among others:

  • Motor disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, a set of conditions that impair movement and balance
  • Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries
  • Peripheral nerve disorders
  • Brachial plexus (shoulder nerve) injuries
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Congenital physical abnormalities or acquired amputation

Pediatric rehabilitation medicine treatments are aimed at managing muscle spasticity (tightness), restoring physical function, and improving cognitive abilities. Pediatric rehabilitation medicine specialists may perform or prescribeorder the following treatments:

  • Botulinum toxin (also known as Botox), injected in the muscles to reduce spasms and spasticity
  • Baclofen pump, a device implanted to send Baclofen (medication) to the spinal cord
  • Selective posterior rhizotomy, surgery to relieve muscle spasticity
  • Assistive devices, such as prosthetics, wheelchairs, and other equipment
  • Aquatic therapy
  • Pediatric physical and occupational therapy
  • Pediatric speech therapy

Another aspect of pediatric rehabilitation medicine care is socialization, where children are encouraged to participate in fun and engaging activities. This may occur as peer counseling from an older rehabilitation patient, school reintegration, or adaptive sports programs. Some hospitals and clinics host specialized summer camps for pediatric rehabilitation medicine patients.

Pediatric rehabilitation medicine specialists educate and collaborate with caregivers on how to best support their children. They may also work with pediatric occupational and physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, pediatricians, pediatric nurses, social workers, pediatric neurosurgeons and neuropsychologists.