Hey Kat,
I think many people have gotten decent results with a physyiatrist (sp)
(can you tell my brain is on other things, took three tries to write "Hey").
For those who may not know it's a rehab doctor.  They seem to be able to
combine that neurologist/ orthopedist.  No true adult cp specialists.

Beth t.

-----Original Message-----
From: St. John's University Cerebral Palsy List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kathy
Sent: Sunday, June 19, 2005 6:34 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: CP, Vision & Balance (Was: Re: new to list introduction)

I think it's hard for many doctors to realise just how diverse CP symptoms
are and just how diffuse they are.  I've often had to respond to a doctor
who would blithely say, "This works for my other CP patients" or to one
who'd say puzzled, "But none of my other CP patients show this" with "Yes,
but no two CP patients are exactly alike!," which is very true.

Incidentially, that's what my neuro confirmed the other day - since CP is
the effect of brain damage, and since brain damage is so variable, and since
our reactions are so individual, you can't neatly classify a CP person any
more.
It used to be we were classified as rigid spastics, etc. (that was in my
childhood, y'see) and then as paraplegic, etc, and now it's being recognised
that along with those major neuromuscular categories come another group of
disabilites and previously unnoticed audio and visual symptoms that affect
balance and motor control.  I wonder if the day will ever come when a "CP
Specialist" is truely a multidisciplinarian and not mainly an orthorpaedist
or a neurologist, etc.

I don't have problems with my vision as to navigation but since I am
severely hard of hearing that does affect my balance.  You need to check all
the possiibilities and explore everything to do everything you can.

Kat