National Seminar on Cerebral Palsy Update 2018 held at
USTM

190 Therapists and Special Educators for
Cerebral Palsy Update at USTM
9th Mile, Ri Bhoi, 10 July
2018: Combination of the three H—head, hand and heart
with the best positive attitude are very important to treat
patients with cerebral palsy as the disease has number of
complications. Cerebral Palsy is the most common movement
disorder in children and about 2.1 per 1000 babies suffer
from it all over the world. This was stated by Dr Debojit
Khanikar, Deputy Secretary, Social Welfare Department,
Government of Assam while delivering his address as the
Chief Guest in the inaugural of the National Seminar on
Cerebral Palsy Update 2018 held at the University of science
& Technology Meghalaya on 7th and 8th July. A total of 190
participants from across the region including
Physiotherapists, Special Educators, Speech Therapists and
Psychologists joined in the two-day long Workshop. The
workshop was organized by SVNIRTAR, Odisha and CRC Guwahati
under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in
association with Indian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and with
the support of USTM.
Addressing the participants, Dr G Shashikala, Director,
Indian Academy of Cerebral Palsy said that cerebral palsy is
a challenging entity for those practitioners who deal with
differently abled children. Symptoms, evolution and
prognosis are as varied as are the causes and management
options. It is for this reason that present day management
of cerebral palsy warrants a multidisciplinary approach.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Shakti Prasad, Director,
SVNIRTAR, Odisha said, “This seminar cum workshop envisages
encompassing all the broad aspects of cerebral palsy
disorder to provide a holistic insight into the
understanding, approach and management of Cerebral Palsy.
This is also an attempt to bring all related professionals
together to have a better reciprocation of knowledge
resulting in a stronger interdisciplinary coordination.”
Experts from different parts of the country participated as
resource persons in the seminar.
A multidisciplinary team develops an individualized cerebral
palsy treatment plan based on the patient’s needs and
problems. It is imperative to involve patients, families,
special educators and caregivers in all phases of planning,
decision making and treatment. A pediatrician, pediatric
neurologist, or PMR specialist provides primary care for
children with CP. Orthopedic Surgeon, Neurosurgeon, Speech
Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Special Educator,
Psychologist and Social Worker—all have their special roles
to play. |