*This event is for everyone
 

Overview:
 

Cerebral palsy is a heterogeneous developmental clinical syndrome. Despite “cerebral” playing a significant component of the diagnosis, it is difficult to predict the physical symptoms necessary for diagnosis based on brain imaging alone.  While there is extensive ongoing work looking at the brain and muscle in individuals with cerebral palsy, there is very little work investigating the role of the spinal cord. A critical component of neuromotor control is the brain – muscle interface, which occurs through the motor neurons in the spinal cord. In our lab, we are investigating the properties of spinal motor neurons in a mouse model of developmental hypertonia. In this presentation, I will discuss the role of motor neurons in neuromotor control along with the role the spinal motor neurons may play in contributing to the physical symptoms of cerebral palsy. I will do this through a combination of discussion of lived experience, evidence-based basic science and clinical work, along with clinical correlation.  

Educational Objectives:
 

•    Discuss role of my lived experience on trajectory of cerebral palsy research
•    Describe gaps in current definition and construct of cerebral palsy 
•    Integrate spinal mechanisms into understanding of clinical cerebral palsy symptoms 
•    Develop an awareness of the developmental disruption of the brain-spinal cord-muscle interaction in cerebral palsy

Agenda: 

5 minutes - introductions
10 minutes – Lived experience and background
10 minutes – Gaps in CP definition and construct
10 minutes – Introduction to spinal mechanisms and terminology
20 minutes – Basic science research supporting role of spinal mechanisms in CP symptoms
15 minutes – Relating basic science to clinical work supporting role of spinal mechanisms in CP symptoms
20 minutes - Q &A

Lectureship Speaker:
 

Joline E. Brandenburg, M.D., is Chair of the Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Director of the Cerebral Palsy and Spina Bifida Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Brandenburg joined the staff of Mayo Clinic in 2008 and holds the academic rank of Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Associate Professor of Pediatrics.
Read more in Dr. Brandenburg's speaker bio below.

CEU Information: 

This activity is approved for 2.0 CEUs from the Maryland Board of Physical therapy Practice.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email PhysicalTherapy@KennedyKrieger.org