Dr. Leland Albright is Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and one of the world's leading
researchers of cerebral palsy and movement disorders.
Dr. Albright has devoted much of his career to treating and researching cerebral palsy (CP). He feels that most people don't care enough about CP to become informed and often lack concern for persons with the condition. Overall, Dr. Albright is one of the primary pioneers in CP research.
Dr. Albirght explained that until fifteen years ago, the treatment for CP was limited to oral medication, physical therapy and occasionally, surgery to lengthen tendons. Surgeries of this type had limited success and the results weren't permanent. In 1985, a West Coast surgeon, Dr. Warwick Peacock of San Francisco, introduced rhizotomy, a surgical treatment in which nerve endings are cut to reduce spasticity.
Following this discovery, Dr. Albright adapted the baclofen pump to assist patients with CP. The hockey puck-sized baclofen pump is implanted under the skin of the abdomen to deliver baclofen into the spinal cord in order to reduce spasticity. Two advantages of the pump are (1) that the dosage can be carefully regulated to suit the patient's needs, and (2) that it can be turned off completely when necessary.
Dr. Albright's most cutting edge research has involved deep brain stimulation research, where an insulated wire is placed inside the brain. By quickly firing electric impulses, the device stimulates the brain to block its own tremors, enabling a person to perform a broader range of small motor tasks (i.e. picking up a glass or feeding yourself).
According to Dr. Albright, there is a great need for the continuation of accelerated research and for more patients with CP to receive PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans which can then be examined for chemical deficiencies in the brain. Later, this information can be used to infuse the chemicals with neuro-transmitter replacements.
Dr. Albright desires to improve the quality of life for people with CP and his sensitivity and caring are evident in his careful observations and research.
