Spasticity Management Across the Lifespan in Cerebral Palsy: A Longitudinal Perspective

Monday, May 18, 2026

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM PT

Location: 205 to 207

Ideal Audience:Physicians, Researchers, Residents/Fellows, Medical Students

Course Director(s)

Heakyung Kim, MD (she/her/hers)

Professor and Chairman
UT Southwestern

Faculty(s)

Hana Azizi, MD, MPH

Assistant Professor
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

Speaker(s)

Amanda Stubbs, MD

Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Fellow
UT Southwestern

Brief Session Description : The adult population with cerebral palsy (CP) is increasing, yet lifelong spasticity management remains inadequate. Many adult providers are unfamiliar with CP, leading to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, and worsening function. Spasticity interventions often end after skeletal maturity, resulting in pain, decreased mobility, and early arthritis. With more adults seeking care, understanding their evolving needs is essential. Despite expanded use of chemoneurolysis, intrathecal baclofen, and surgery, evidence-based adult guidelines remain limited. This course reviews lifelong spasticity management in CP, focusing on aging-related challenges, intervention selection, dosing considerations, and orthopedic strategies for maintaining function and preventing decline.

Session Objectives:

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to recognize the evolving clinical and functional needs of adults with cerebral palsy (CP)

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to identify common diagnostic and management challenges in adults with CP

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to compare and contrast available spasticity management strategies across different stages of adulthood.

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to apply principles of individualized, evidence-informed care planning for adults with CP
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