Cerebral-Palsy-Case-Darina

Case: Darina from Russia

Nationality：

Russia

Age：

4 years old

Diagnosis：

Cerebral Palsy

Admission Date：

Apr 2015

Background

Darina, born at just 28 weeks, the patient entered the world via emergency caesarean section. During her perilous journey into life, a cord wrapped tightly around her neck, cutting off oxygen and causing ischemia and hypoxia. These early traumas unfortunately led to a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy. But here's the silver lining: there's no hereditary disease casting a shadow over her future, and she managed to avoid the common struggle of jaundice. Despite the odds stacked against her, Darina’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the potential for remarkable progress.

Pre-Treatment Condition (Before the First Course of Treatment)

1. Fine Motor Deficits: Poor dexterity (unable to grasp small objects/button clothes);
2. Sitting Posture: Independent sitting with weak core muscles (slouching, poor endurance);
3. Standing/Gait:
Unable to stand independently; requires external support;
Tiptoe standing with scissoring gait (legs cross during attempted movement);
4. Muscle Function:
Hypertonia(↑ spasticity) in lower limbs;
Hypotonia (↓ active muscle strength) contributing to instability;
Ocular Alignment: Strabismus (squint) impairing depth perception and visual focus.

Treatment Plan

Two weeks of stem cell therapy
Surgical method: Lumbar puncture
Efficacy monitoring plan over 6 to 12 months post-treatment

After the First Course of Treatment(10 months)

1. Fine Motor Skills: Improved dexterity (tying shoelaces, using chopsticks);
2. Core Strength: Sustained upright sitting posture with improved endurance;
3. Independent Standing: 30 seconds unassisted; heels now contact ground;
4. Gait Improvement: Alleviated scissoring gait; more natural/stable stepping;
5. Lower Limb Function:
- ↓ Hypertonia(reduced spasticity);
- ↑ Muscle Strength (performs leg-strengthening exercises with confidence);
Strabismus Improvement: Enhanced eye alignment and visual clarity.

Symptom	Improvement
Poor dexterity (unable to tie shoelaces/use utensils)	Improved dexterity (ties shoelaces, uses chopsticks)
Weak core muscles (slouching, poor sitting endurance)	Sustained upright posture (improved core strength)
Unable to stand independently	Stands independently for 30 seconds (heels contact ground)
Scissoring gait (tiptoe standing, legs crossed)	Reduced scissoring; more natural/stable gait
Hypertonia (high spasticity) - Hypotonia (low strength)	↓ Spasticity ↑ Strength (performs leg exercises)
Strabismus (squint, impaired vision)	Improved eye alignment and visual clarity

Progress Summary & Future Outlook

Given the significant progress made so far, the future looks bright. With continued rehabilitation, her fine-motor skills are likely to reach near-normal levels, allowing her to handle complex daily tasks independently. The strengthened waist will further support her in activities like standing and walking for longer durations.

In the coming months, she may be able to stand for several minutes and even start walking short distances unassisted. As the muscle tension in her legs continues to reduce and strength builds, her gait will become more stable and natural, eliminating the remaining signs of the scissors step.

Regarding her vision, continued improvement in the squint can be expected, enhancing her visual perception and overall quality of life. With consistent effort and support, she has the potential to lead a more independent and fulfilling life, participating fully in social and physical activities.