Pediatrics

Seema Khurana, D.O.
Jose Andres Restrepo, M.D.

Among the pediatric conditions where PM&R is involved are cerebral palsy, spina bifida, birth brachial plexus palsy, and torticollis. Physiatrists manage children with traumatic brain injury, congenital and acquired amputations, and both acute and long-term spinal cord injury. They also manage children with muscle diseases such as duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy, pediatric burns, and a myriad of congenital disabilities.

Using medication and physical therapy, physiatrists participate in the care of children with these neuro-muscular conditions. Depending on the case, PM&R physicians may prescribe physical therapy to relax the muscles and improve strength. With neurological disorders – cerebral palsy, birth brachial plexus palsy and spina bifida – PM&R doctors use electrodiagnostic medicine to determine the degree of spasticity and damage, then treat the condition. Pediatric physiatrists also provide prescriptions for durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, bracing, and communication devices.