Expertise and Treatment for Cerebral Palsy
National Expertise for Complex Needs
Cincinnati Children’s brings together nationally and internationally recognized cerebral palsy experts. Our specialists help advance CP care through research, professional organizations, and treatment standards.
Our neurology and neurosurgery programs rank Top 5 in the nation and our orthopaedics program ranks Top 10 in the nation for 2026-27, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Innovative Treatment Options
We offer medical, therapy-based and surgical treatments for cerebral palsy. Options may include medicines, injections, braces, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, soft tissue or bony surgeries, selective dorsal rhizotomy, and baclofen pump therapy.
Our Two-Day Surgical Mobility Evaluation brings several specialists together during one visit. Gait analysis reports are completed in about 12 hours. This helps the team give one coordinated surgical or nonsurgical recommendation before the visit ends.
Cincinnati Children’s was also one of the first pediatric hospitals in the country to use guided-growth surgical techniques for children with hip subluxation related to cerebral palsy. For some children, this approach may offer an earlier, less-invasive option for hip problems.
One Team, One Personalized Plan
Cerebral palsy can affect movement, muscle tone, communication, feeding, and daily activities. Our team-based care model brings the right specialists together around your child’s needs.
Through the CP Team Clinic, families may see several providers together. The team coordinates recommendations instead of leaving families to manage separate plans.
Our Perlman Center adds assistive technology, care coordination and family support. Services can include physical, occupational and speech therapy, communication support, mobility technology and school support. These services are integrated with other outpatient therapy and recreational opportunities.
Support From Early Diagnosis
Early answers can help families understand what comes next. Our Infant Motor Evaluation Clinic helps evaluate infants younger than 2 with motor concerns.
When appropriate, infants can move from this evaluation to specialized therapy programming. One option is Baby Stars, a 12-week group program at the Perlman Center combining therapy, care coordination, parent coaching, education, and peer support. Other infants may receive care individually in outpatient therapy settings.
