Spastic Hemiplegia

Spastic Hemiplegia is a perfect primer for parents wanting more information about their child’s condition, allied health care professionals interested in gaining more evidence-based information about the care of children with spastic hemiplegia, and for the layperson who knows someone with hemiplegia and is looking to understand the condition better. It is rare to find a book that weaves the patient experience into the content as nicely as has been done in this book. The authors have done a fine job of providing evidence-based information in a patient and family-centered fashion—a must-read for all!

“I found this book to be an exceptional resource. It not only provides a thorough exploration of the unique challenges faced by those of us living with CP but also brings these experiences to life through personal stories and insights. This blend of practical advice and real-life experiences makes it an essential guide for anyone looking to empower themselves or support others in the CP community.”

“This publication provides a comprehensive review of medical team decisionmaking and addresses important aspects of surgical and clinical care. Perhaps most importantly, it includes an emphasis on community connection and provides personal experiences from individuals with CP and their families to learn from. Interested individuals, families, and clinicians will benefit from this effort.”

“As someone with right spastic hemiplegia, I was amazed by how much of the information was relevant to my memories of childhood therapy appointments and doctor visits. I deeply enjoyed reading the testimonies of those with CP, and I felt recognized inside their stories. From small things like official medical terminology to detailed explanations on why I was receiving certain treatments as a child, this book helped me not only recontextualize my own experiences but also prepared me to be a better medical advocate for myself moving into adulthood.”

“This book is a comprehensive distillation of current medical knowledge and best practice to guide all involved with children, families, and individuals with unilateral cerebral palsy. The delivery is straightforward, organized, and well informed. Individuals with hemiplegia and their parents will be drawn to this one source that focuses on the specifics of the condition. What makes this stand out is the ‘humanistic holistic’ approach to daily life, which is pertinent to quality of life. Especially noteworthy is the emphasis on activity, sports, and the discussion on how to participate at the community as well as Paralympic level. This book is a unique contribution.”

“Spastic Hemiplegia—Unilateral Cerebral Palsy is an essential read for anyone with an interest, either professional or personal, in understanding the condition. It successfully distills a huge volume of research into an accessible text that vitally provides a lifespan perspective. It provides parents with a much-needed toolkit to be their child’s advocate. It also equips parents with knowledge to pass on to their child, empowering them to become their own advocate in the future. One of the book’s standout features is the inclusion of personal stories. I found myself searching for the personal narrative in each chapter, wanting to understand Eimear’s and Ally’s perspectives, which brings the robust evidence-based content to life. The book beautifully illustrates what is often said, that each experience of cerebral palsy is unique. The diversity of personal experiences highlights the varied paths to diagnosis, management, and support, as well as both the unique and shared strengths and challenges faced by those living with spastic hemiplegia. This book is a valuable resource that successfully merges scientific evidence with lived experiences, making it a compelling and informative read.”

"In these days when information is so prolific, misinformation seems to rule. It is no different in the world of cerebral palsy. Sadly, I have seen the wheel being reinvented over and over—erroneous treatment recommendations and overdosed surgeries, proposed and performed by low-volume clinicians and surgeons. Underwhelming treatment outcomes often go unrecognized. Parents and patients seeking comprehensive information on hemiplegia will find in this book clear explanations and sound information on diagnosis, prognosis, treatment strategies, and expected outcomes. I hope that all parents and patients have access to this wonderful work."

"Being suddenly immersed in a world of medical terminology, professional opinion, and service provision is surely overwhelming. This book centralizes children, families, and adults and provides a wealth of information on living with CP spastic hemiplegia throughout the life course. It has an excellent blend of medical and scientific information, practical application, and real-life excerpts. It is carefully written with clear but thorough explanations. This book is a must-read, not only for parents of children and adults with spastic hemiplegia but for the professionals working with them."

"It has been an absolute pleasure to read Spastic Hemiplegia—Unilateral Cerebral Palsy. The book communicates cutting-edge knowledge about the causes, development, and treatment of cerebral palsy in clear and accessible language. The perspectives of people with CP and their families are thoughtfully integrated. Even the most complex aspects are presented in a way that is easy to understand. I highly recommend this book to families, health care professionals, and researchers studying various aspects of cerebral palsy."