United Brachial Plexus Network

Hi I take Hannah (2) to see the specialist on Wed. And the doctor said when she turned 2 we would discuss electo therapy. Does anyone know anything about this? I have heard that the muscles contract. But the nerve stops growing. When I took her in March to see her University Hospital Doctor he didn't seem to think it was a good idea. I just don't know. Maybe your opionions might help Karl(husband) and myself make a decison. Thanks guys

Nicki

check out this page

http://www.injurednewborn.com/maia/estim.html

there are two types of e-stim usually done on kids with bpi...

NMES - done daily for certain time frames - to exercise muscles - causes contraction

and

TES - nighttime estim - they sleep with it

about it stopping the nerve from growing... I just recently questioned this after a class I took. The answer I received was that "NMES depolarizes the nerve"...this means that it stops the nerve from working as it's causing the contraction - it's a momentary thing... but it does not stop the nerve from growing.

there is much benefit to estim if it is done the right way and you work with a therapist who knows their stuff

ask more about it on the general message board - there are many moms there who are doing this.

We do TES - nighttime e-stim with Maia. She loves her 'sticky' machine!

anyway - I hope that page helps you,
-francine