GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Oct 20, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Children with neurological
disorders, who use wheelchairs, receive little help for their cold hands and
feet, a Swedish researcher said.
Lena Svedberg, a physiotherapist at Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of
Gothenburg in Sweden, found skin temperature in brain-damaged preschool children
in wheelchairs were several degrees lower than children without brain damage.
Svedberg said the reason for their cold extremities may be the brain damage
affects the part of the nervous system -- not controlled by the will -- which,
among other things, regulates blood circulation, digestion and sleep.
"This hypothesis is supported by a study in the thesis that shows that children
with cerebral palsy who had cold hands and feet also had problems with
constipation, sleeping disorders, pain and impaired well-being," Svedberg said
in a statement.
There has been no established treatment for cold hands and feet, but a small
pilot study -- also part of Svedberg's thesis -- demonstrates acupuncture might
be effective, Svedberg said.
URL: www.upi.com
Copyright 2009 by United Press International