Michael's Miracle

A CBS 2 News Special Assignment

Special Assignment: Michael's Miracle aired Wednesday, April 08, 1998 at 11 p.m.

Just days before his first birthday, Michael Owens was diagnosed with cerebral palsy -- a neurological disorder that robbed him of his motor skills.

Walking was his biggest challenge, reported CBS 2 News' Kyle Kraska. Years of therapy would be devoted to helping Michael accomplish what most of us take for granted.

"It was hard going through pre-school and seeing him groping and holding onto desks, while other children are running around in circles," Mary Owens, Michael's mother, told Kraska. "But we just kept at it. We would look into every possibility of therapy there was."

Mary and Brian Owens devoted their lives to helping their son Michael experience a normal life, said Kraska. They even moved across the country to find the best care possible.

In Westwood they met Nancy Dilger, a physical therapist who specializes in cerebral palsy. Dilger remembers the first time she met Michael.

"He was walking by himself," Dilger said. "However, it was with a lot of effort and it was very clumsy."

For years, Dilger has studied the effects of neuromuscular stimulation, an effort to rejuvenate muscle tissue with electric current. However, this type of therapy was often too painful and produced limited results.

But about two years ago, Dilger learned about a new technique called Therapeutic Electrical Stimulation (TES). It's a type of stimulation that's barely perceptible, but has proven to be very effective.

"The electrode is bringing more blood and circulation into the area that you want to get stronger," Dilger told CBS 2 News. "Michael wanted his legs to get stronger, so we used the stimulator and electrodes on his legs at night."

That means Michael's legs essentially get a work out every night while he sleeps, said Kraska.

Fifteen months ago, Dilger asked the Owens to try this new and experimental electronic stimulator.

"The same evening we got it home, (Michael) put it on and said, 'Turn it up, Dad. It doesn't bother me. Let's go,'" Owens recalled.

So for the past year and three months, Michael has worn sticky patches on his legs while he sleeps, reported Kraska. The electric current stimulates his leg muscles. His parents say the difference in Michael's physical abilities is astounding.

"It almost seems like it's overnight," Mary Owens told Kraska. "Because people see him from a year or two ago, and they can't believe it's the same child."

"Definitely remarkable," Dilger said. "I was so pleasantly pleased with the progress I have seen in him."

After the successful results on Michael's legs, the electric stimulator will soon be used on his torso and arms while he sleeps.

Despite Michael's remarkable improvement, the electric stimulator is still considered experimental and would not be beneficial to everyone with cerebral palsy, said Kraska. But for 8-year-old Michael, the sky is now the limit for what he can accomplish.

More information:

• The United Cerebral Palsy Association has a resource center, discussion groups, a research section and more.
• The American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine features a forum, research library and meeting announcements for members.
• Cerebral Palsy: A Multimedia Tutorial For Children And Parents answers some basic questions about what causes CP, what therapies are available and what it's like to grow up with it.
• Cerebral Palsy Info Central offers information about the medical condition and many links.