Paul Steinbok

MBBS, BSc, FRCSC

Investigator Emeritus, BC Children's Hospital

Cerebral palsy is a brain disorder that occurs around the time of birth. Many children with cerebral palsy have increased stiffness (spasticity) in their limbs that may contribute to poor motor function. The past 20 years new treatments to decrease spasticity have become available, including selective dorsal rhizotomy, intrathecal baclofen and botox injections. In selective dorsal rhizotomy, parts of the nerves that bring sensation from the lower limbs to the brain are cut using intraoperative guidance with electrical stimulation of the nerves. Intrathecal baclofen involves continuous administration of a drug (baclofen) into the spinal fluid via an implanted pump. My research has centered on evaluating outcomes in children with spastic cerebral palsy after both dorsal rhizotomy and intrathecal baclofen, and involves multiple assessments by physiotherapists, occupational therapists, orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons. This research has led to a better understanding of which children with cerebral palsy could benefit most from these procedures and expected results of the interventions.