Neuroimaging in spasticity and movement disorders

• Published in: Journal of child neurology Vol. 18 Suppl 1; p. S25
• Main Authors: Hoon, Jr, Alexander H, Belsito, Karin M, Nagae-Poetscher, Lidia M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.09.2003
• Subjects: Brain - diagnostic imaging; Brain - pathology; Cerebral Palsy - diagnosis; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Movement Disorders - diagnosis; Muscle Spasticity - diagnosis; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 0883-0738
• DOI: 10.1177/0883073803018001S0501

Advances in neuroimaging provide unique opportunities to evaluate brain structure, biochemistry, and function. Although a number of imaging techniques have been used in newborns, cranial ultrasonography in premature infants and nuclear magnetic resonance modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging, in high-risk term infants are of foremost benefit. Interpretation is based on knowledge of characteristic imaging findings in specific childhood neurologic disorders and an understanding of differential diagnosis in cerebral palsy syndromes, such as spastic diplegia and various subtypes of extrapyramidal cerebral palsy. This review focuses on imaging studies that can be effectively used in at-risk infants and in children with spasticity and movement disorders to refine diagnosis and guide therapeutic interventions.