SPASTIC PARALYSIS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26541, 16 August 1947, Page 8

SPASTIC PARALYSIS

RESEARCH IN DOMINION MORE INFORMATION SOUGHT VISIT OF AMERICAN AUTHORITY P.A. WELLINGTON. Aug. 15. The president of the New Zealand Crippled Children Society, Sir Charles Norwood, in a statement ;to-day, said that all arrangements had been completed for the visit of Dr Earl R. Carl'son, the world-famous authority on cerebral palsy. It was expected that he would arrive in New Zealand on November 3. “ This question of cerebral palsy commonly known as spastic paralysis, has exercised the minds of the Crippled Children Society since its inception, and its treatment the world over is more or less in its initial stages,” said Sir Charles. “It may, however, be said that research in the United States is probably more advanced than any other country. Dr Carlson, himself a spastic who developed into a great physician, is the most encouraging example of what is possible of achievement. “ Statistics from the United States,” Sir Charles continued, “indicate that three-quarters of those born with this affliction can be made to acquire a normal education. “It is estimated from returns already known to the society that there are some 500 spastic cases in New Zealand, and it is probable that the records are not entirely complete. It is a sorrowful fact that so many of these cases have found their way into certain institutions, and it is hoped that the . visit of Dr Carlson will enable a constructive approach to be made to this hitherto l)affling problem. “We have to thank the Minister of Health and the New Zealand division of the Medical Association for the special interest they are taking in this matter,” he said, “for it is acknowledged by the society that the greatest good must be -derived from the dissemination of information and technique among our medical men as the result of Dr Carlson’s visit. , “On arrival, Dr Carlson will be the guest of the Government. He is giving his services without remuneration, and the society is meeting the entire cost of travel and accommodation. In the meantime, the following committee has been entrusted to make the best of the time available during Dr Carlson's visit: —Sir Charles Norwood, Messrs J. M. A. Ilott, and G. Hansard, and Dr Alexander Gillies, who are four members of the Executive Council of the New Zealand Crippled Children Society, the Director-general of Health, the Director of Education, and Dr Alan Park, secretary of the New Zealand division of the British Medical Association. From information now at it-s disposal, the committee' cannot give a public announcement that special clinics will be held by Dr Carlson.”