Classification of Cerebral Palsy Subtypes

Completed

Conditions studied: Cerebral Palsy

In brief

This study, conducted at the National Institutes of Health and the Children's National Medical Center, will evaluate how well different physicians agree in how they classify cerebral palsy subtypes based on patient examination. Cerebral palsy is divided into several subtypes, according to the primary underlying muscle abnormality and its distribution and severity. Classification of these subtypes is important for conducting rehabilitation research studies on patients with the same type of abnormality. However, doctors do not always classify cerebral palsy types in the same way. This study will examine methods for improving agreement among doctors in their classification of cerebral palsy subtypes. Children between 6 and 18 years of age with cerebral palsy who can voluntarily move their arms and legs may be eligible for this study. Participants will be examined by at least three doctors or therapists. The examinations take 30-60 minutes. For the examination, a doctor or therapist will do the following: * Observe the patient at rest * Gently move the patient's arms and legs and then have the patient move his or her arms and legs * Check the patient's reflexes * Observe the patient walking, if the patient is able to walk Patients will be asked to remain in the clinic for up to 3 hours while researchers discuss the examination and may be asked to repeat part of the study examination.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT00072800
Run by: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
People needed: 115
Starts: 2003-11-01
Expected to finish: 2005-08-01
Last updated by the study team: 2008-03-04

Who can join

Age: any. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

Children 6 to 18 years of age
Children must be previously diagnosed with cerebral palsy
Children born at any gestational age will be eligible.
Lesions must be pre-, peri- or post-natal and acquired before 2 years of age
Lesions must be non-progressive
Patients must be able to voluntarily move their upper and lower limbs

You may not qualify if…

Any subject who is pregnant
Children with an underlying known genetic or chromosomal disorder
Children with clearly identified familial or non-familial syndromes (without known chromosomal or genetic defect)
Cerebral lesions acquired after 2 years of age
Patients with progressive or neurodegenerative disorders
Patients with spinal disorders in the absence of cerebral lesions
Patients with sickle cell disease
Patients with cerebral lesions caused by emboli associated with congenital cardiac lesions
Patients with severe cognitive deficits who cannot follow simple verbal commands
Patients incapable of voluntary movement of either upper or lower limbs due to contractures.
Patients with prior rhizotomy
Patients with prior orthopedic (bone or soft tissue) surgery or serial casting
Patients with severe postural abnormalities who cannot maintain supported sitting.

Where it is running

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) — Bethesda, Maryland, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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