Meet Dylan
"Dylan had a rough start at birth, spending twenty-two minutes without his heart beating on it's own. After several doses of epinephrine and resuscitation, Dr. Hanten at Children's Hospital of Orange County at Mission brought him back to us. Because of the lack of oxygen to his brain at birth, Dylan struggles with Ataxic Cerebral Palsy. We were told when he was born that he may not walk, talk, or eat on his own. We have been completely blessed and are inspired by his perseverance as he works so hard."
-McKenzie Law, Dylan's Mother
Dylan is a healthy, young boy living with ataxic cerebral palsy (ACP). He enjoys cooking, playing video games, karate, and being a DJ in his spare time. Though he enjoys many things, Dylan faces the challenges of his ACP, as it affects how he performs many of these activities. He feels as though he cannot perform academically in comparison to the other students in his class and cannot function independently because it takes him longer to complete certain tasks. Dylan has tried many devices and methods to help alleviate his tremors and the pain associated with it. However, these devices have been ineffective, painful, and bulky.
Cerebral palsy is the most common childhood movement disorder in the United States, affecting 1 in every 323
children. It is a neuromuscular disorder caused by abnormal development or damage to the motor cortex part
of the brain during fetal growth. The motor cortex is responsible for control of movements, balance, and posture.
Ataxic cerebral palsy, a rarer form of the disorder, involves uncontrollable muscle tremors, spasms, and
incoordination of movements. There is no cure for cerebral palsy, leading the direction of attention and resources towards prevention and treatment.
Prevention is mainly focused on genetic screening early during pregnancy to identify and manage certain risk factors,
such as genetic abnormalities or severe illnesses. Current treatments help improve the quality of life for pediatric
patients through symptom management, increase of mobility and flexibility, and gain of independence. Treatment options
include medication, wearable orthotics, surgery, or physical, occupational, and behavioral therapy.
Learn About Cerebral Palsy
