AFO (ankle-foot orthosis) – MAFO (molded ankle-foot
orthosis) – commonly used ankle brace worn for
the purpose of stretching the Achilles tendon.
Aspiration – Fluid in the lungs.
Ataxia – Difficulty with balance
Athetoid – A form of cerebral palsy characterized
by tremors, unsteadiness, lack of coordination, and
constant movement.
Diplegia – A form of cerebral palsy primarily
affecting the legs.
Dorsal Rhizotomy – surgery in which the nerves
coming directly from the spinal cord are cut in an attempt
to reduce spasticity. Usually requires extensive rehabilitation
and the long-term risks and benefits have not been clearly
established.
Fundoplication – Surgical procedure in which the
top tissue of the stomach is wrapped around the esophagus,
strengthening the esophageal sphincter and reducing
acid reflux.
Gait – The pattern of movement a child has when
he or she walks.
Gastric reflux – When food comes back up the esophagus
after eating.
Hemiplegia – A form of cerebral palsy in which
one arm and one leg on the same side are affected.
Hyperbilirubinemia – Severe jaundice in the newborn.
Mixed – A combination of spastic, athetoid, or
ataxic cerebral palsy.
Monoplegia – A rare form of Cerebral Palsy that
only effects one limb.
Osteotomy – Surgery that corrects bone malaignment
by cutting the bone and resetting it in a corrected
position.
Pentaplegia – Poor head control.
Quadriplegia – A form of cerebral palsy that affects
all limbs.
Scanograms – Special x-rays that accurately determine
the difference in length between the two legs.
Spastic – A form of cerebral palsy characterized
by tight muscle groups which limit movement.
Shunt – a surgically implanted device that prevents
fluid buildup in the brain.
Subluxation of the Hip – the process of gradual
hip dislocation.
Tetraplegia – Essentially another term for quadriplegia.
Triplegia – A form of Cerebral Palsy that effects
three limbs.
