Medication
The lifetime costs of treatment and care for cerebral palsy is approximately $1 million. This is in addition to normal living costs. DID YOU KNOW... About 7 birth injuries occur for every 1,000 children born in the United States. Was your child one of them? How Much Does Cerebral Palsy Treatment Cost?
Procedures
- A developmental pediatrician diagnoses cerebral palsy and tracks a person’s overall physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
- A neurologist, possibly more than one if the person has a seizure disorder, may prescribe medications designed to address a person’s brain injuries.
- A physical therapist helps a person manage physical difficulties.
Therapy
Top Natural Ways To Help With Common Cerebral Palsy Pain
- Ice and Heat Therapy. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), applying heat and ice (one at a time) to muscles helps to inhibit spastic movement, which in turn, ...
- Epsom Salts and Salt Bath. According to Dr. ...
- Echinacea. ...
- Physical Therapy. ...
Self-care
Most children with Cerebral Palsy can live long, happy, quality lives. Admittedly, their care may involve more visits to the doctor, require therapy or medications, and perhaps surgery. They may be evaluated for early intervention, special education services and assistive technology. The severity level, as well as improper management of his or her conditions, may put the child at risk for diminished life span.
Nutrition
How much does treating cerebral palsy really cost?
What therapies help people with severe cerebral palsy?
How to treat cerebral palsy naturally?
What is it like to live with cerebral palsy?
What is the best treatment for cerebral palsy?
A variety of therapies play an important role in treating cerebral palsy:Physical therapy. Muscle training and exercises can help your child's strength, flexibility, balance, motor development and mobility. ... Occupational therapy. ... Speech and language therapy. ... Recreational therapy.
What is the latest treatment for cerebral palsy?
Stem cell therapy is an emerging treatment for a variety of conditions, including cerebral palsy. Stem cells are cells in the body that have the ability to grow and change into other types of cells. The easiest stem cells to access and use for treatment are found in the umbilical cord blood of newborns.
What is the main goal of treatment for cerebral palsy?
The main long-term goal in treating Cerebral Palsy is to provide an individual with the highest degree of independence along with optimal quality of life.
Can the brain heal from cerebral palsy?
Currently, there is no cure for cerebral palsy.
What are the four treatments for cerebral palsy?
The primary treatment options for cerebral palsy are medication, therapy, and surgery. The goal of cerebral palsy treatment is to manage symptoms, relieve pain, and maximize independence to achieve a long, healthy life. Cerebral palsy treatment is tailored to each individual to target and treat their specific symptoms.
How can I help my child with cerebral palsy?
How to Care for a Child With Cerebral PalsyBe Your Child's at-Home Therapist.Help Them Be Active.Help Them Expand Their Mind.Focus on Diet.Keep a Bright Outlook.Get to Know Other Parents.
What causes cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is usually caused by a problem that affects the development of a baby's brain while it's growing in the womb. These include: damage to part of the brain called white matter, possibly as a result of a reduced blood or oxygen supply – this is known as periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)
How can you prevent cerebral palsy?
Preventing cerebral palsy after birthMaking sure your child is vaccinated for all common infant infections.Using the correct car seat for your child's weight and height.Using a crib with bed rail.Never leaving your child on high countertops or surfaces unattended.Never shake a baby.
How is cerebral palsy diagnosed?
Specialists might suggest brain imaging tests, such as x-ray computed tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An electroencephalogram (EEG), genetic testing, or metabolic testing, or a combination of these, also might be done. CP generally is diagnosed during the first or second year after birth.
Can cerebral palsy patients walk?
Over half (about 50%-60%) of children with CP can walk independently. About 1 in 10 children identified with CP walk using a hand-held mobility device. Many children with CP have one or more additional conditions or diseases along with their CP, known as co-occurring conditions.
Can a person with cerebral palsy live a normal life?
Cerebral palsy patients go on to live a healthy and normal life as they transition into adulthood. Severe cerebral palsy can decrease life expectancy due to significant physical and intellectual impairments and associated health conditions.
How long can you live with cerebral palsy?
How Long Can Someone Live with Cerebral Palsy? Generally, children born with cerebral palsy can expect to live between 30 and 70 years on average. Those with the longest life expectancies usually have more mobility, better medical care and adaptive equipment and greater autonomy and independence.
Can cerebral palsy be cured?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for cerebral palsy. The condition is continuously being studied by researchers to find a cure, as well as new treat...
Is there a treatment for cerebral palsy?
There are several cerebral palsy treatment options. The type of cerebral palsy treatment your child will receive can depend on the type of cerebral...
Does cerebral palsy get worse?
Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive disorder, meaning it does not improve or worsen as time goes on. On the other hand, symptoms of cerebral palsy...
What is the best treatment for cerebral palsy?
Since every case of cerebral palsy is different, the best treatment for cerebral palsy can vary. It is very important to consult a cerebral palsy s...
What are the best ways to help a child with cerebral palsy?
Therapies. A variety of therapies play an important role in treating cerebral palsy: Physical therapy. Muscle training and exercises can help your child's strength, flexibility, balance, motor development and mobility.
What to do if your child has cerebral palsy?
If your family doctor or pediatrician suspects your child has cerebral palsy, he or she will evaluate your child's signs and symptoms, monitor growth and development, review your child's medical history, and conduct a physical exam. Your doctor might refer you to a specialist trained in treating children with brain and nervous system conditions ...
What kind of doctor is needed for cerebral palsy?
Besides a pediatrician or physiatrist and possibly a pediatric neurologist to oversee your child's medical care, the team might include a variety of therapists and mental health specialists.
What is the best treatment for a child with stiff muscles?
Braces or splints might be recommended for your child to help with function, such as improved walking, and stretching stiff muscles. Occupational therapy. Occupational therapists work to help your child gain independence in daily activities and routines in the home, the school and the community.
What is the best way to find out if a child has brain damage?
Brain scans. Brain-imaging technologies can reveal areas of damage or abnormal development in the brain. These tests might include the following: MRI. An MRI scan uses radio waves and a magnetic field to produce detailed 3D or cross-sectional images of your child's brain.
Can cerebral palsy be treated with oxygen?
Some children and adolescents with cerebral palsy use some form of complementary or alternative medicine. These therapies aren't accepted clinical practice. For example, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is widely promoted for cerebral palsy treatment despite limited evidence of benefit.
What is the treatment for cerebral palsy?
The primary treatment options for cerebral palsy are medication, therapy, and surgery. The goal of cerebral palsy treatment is to manage symptoms, relieve pain, and maximize independence to achieve a long, healthy life. Cerebral palsy treatment is tailored to each individual to target and treat their specific symptoms.
What is the best therapy for cerebral palsy?
Occupational Therapy for Cerebral Palsy. Occupational therapy helps children with cerebral palsy improve their ability to perform everyday tasks. Therapists evaluate a child’s fine motor skills, perception, and oral motor skills to create a treatment plan. Occupational therapy can help with activities such as:
What are the intellectual disabilities of cerebral palsy?
Intellectual Disabilities. Brain damage that causes cerebral palsy can also affect other areas of the brain that are responsible for cognition, leading to intellectual disabilities. According to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, about 50% of all children with cerebral palsy have an intellectual disability.
How many children with cerebral palsy have seizures?
According to the CDC, approximately 42% of children with cerebral palsy suffer from epilepsy, a disorder characterized by frequent seizures. Since seizures can vary in severity, each case requires a specific approach to management. Medication is the most common seizure treatment.
How to help a child with cerebral palsy chew?
Many children with cerebral palsy struggle to maintain a healthy weight because it is hard to chew or swallow food. Oral motor exercises can improve the ability to chew and swallow food.
Why should cerebral palsy be treated?
Each of these conditions should be promptly treated to prevent the condition from worsening and help your child have the best quality of life.
How much does cerebral palsy cost?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that the lifetime cost to care for an individual with cerebral palsy is nearly $1 million.
What is the best treatment for cerebral palsy?
Psychologists can offer assessment and support for emotional and behavioral challenges, which may include behavior therapy and cognitive behavior therapy . Social workers support people with cerebral palsy and their families in many ways, including strengths-based counselling and mutual aid groupwork.
What is cerebral palsy intervention?
An intervention is a service that aims to improve the condition of cerebral palsy and the day-to-day experience of the person living with it.
What is cognitive behavioral therapy?
Psychologists may offer cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain. This process works to help a person change the way they think about pain and, in turn, how they feel and behave about pain.
What is the role of physiotherapists in the treatment of a person's movement?
Physiotherapists and occupational therapists focus on encouraging a person’s day-to-day movement skills such as sitting, walking, playing, dressing and toileting. They will use a range of specialist interventions such as movement training and equipment, e.g. walking frames, wheelchairs, supportive seating, footwear and orthotics.
Cerebral Palsy and Types of Therapies
These are commonly used and accepted therapy choices for treating the symptoms presented by cerebral palsy and some co-conditions:
Cerebral Palsy Surgical Options & Medications
These are commonly used medications and surgical options to help treat the symptoms presented by each person with cerebral palsy:
CP Equipment & Orthotics
Commonly used equipment and orthotics to assist children and adults with cerebral palsy in their daily lives.
Alternative Therapies for CP
Alternative therapies have not been proven, studied, or have little research, therefore, they are not thought of as a traditional therapy:
Cerebral Palsy Treatment Checklist
Treating cerebral palsy is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach and can be overwhelming with so many treatment options. That is why we have a ‘ Cerebral Palsy Treatment Checklist ‘ to help you as a guide on your cerebral palsy journey.
What is the best treatment for cerebral palsy?
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, along with adaptive equipment, are popular forms of treatment for children with Cerebral Palsy. Used within a coordinated, comprehensive treatment plan, therapy plays a vital role in managing the physical impairment while optimizing mobility.
What is the purpose of therapy?
Therapy fosters functionality, mobility, fitness, and independence. The types of therapies vary based on a person’s unique needs, type of Cerebral Palsy, extent of impairment and associative conditions. Therapy can also help parents and caregivers.
Is therapy limited to children?
Therapy is not limited to the child. Therapy can be helpful to caregivers and parents, as well. For instance, nutrition counseling can help a caregiver understand the dietary needs of the child. Behavioral therapy can help a parent learn how to best reinforce the child’s therapy progress in a positive manner.
Is there a therapy program for cerebral palsy?
Therapy also wields mental, emotional, academic, and social benefits for individuals with Cerebral Palsy. If implemented as part of an early intervention program while the child is still developing, some therapy for Cerebral Palsy can lessen the impact of impairment and minimize the child’s potential for developing associative conditions.
What is the therapy for cerebral palsy?
Therapy for Cerebral Palsy. A person’s ability to transcend his or her physical limits is in no small part due to the kinds of therapies that are used to fine-tune his or her abilities. Therapy fosters functionality, mobility, fitness, and independence.
What are the medical needs of a child with cerebral palsy?
Medical needs for those with Cerebral Palsy are dependent upon severity, extent, level , location and co-mitigating factors and may vary as the child develops and grows into adulthood. Treatment coincid es with the child’s development needs.
How does cerebral palsy affect life?
With the exception of some severe cases, most individuals diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy are expected to live the span of a normal life.
What is the primary care physician for cerebral palsy?
The primary care physician (usually a pediatrician, pediatric neurologist, or developmental pediatrician), in partnership with the child’s parents, will begin the process of evaluating the child’s ability level compared to developmental standards. Since research has proven a child with Cerebral Palsy may also be at risk for secondary conditions, associated conditions, and co-mitigating factors, the primary care physician will likely refer the child to one or more specialists, who will each help assess the scope of medical concerns to be included in the care plan.
What is the long term goal of Cerebral Palsy?
The main long-term goal in treating Cerebral Palsy is to provide an individual with the highest degree of independence along with optimal quality of life.
What are the factors that affect the life expectancy of a person with cerebral palsy?
Other important factors include seizure control, prevention of respiratory disease and optimization of cognitive functioning, learning opportunities and the ability to see. For more information, Life Expectancy of Cerebral Palsy.
Can a child with cerebral palsy be treated?
Unfortunately, no standard treatment protocol exists for a child with Cerebral Palsy; since every child’s condition is unique, every child will require a customized approach to treatment. Parents work closely with the child’s primary care physician to implement a coordinated and comprehensive medical care plan that may contain:
What is the best treatment for cerebral palsy?
2. Occupational Therapy for Cerebral Palsy. With cerebral palsy, everyday tasks such as brushing teeth, writing, using scissors, and getting dressed can become very difficult. An occupational therapist can assist your child by evaluating your child’s fine motor skills and developing a specific treatment plan.
How to help a child with cerebral palsy?
1. Physical Therapy Treatment for Cerebral Palsy. Physical therapy for cerebral palsy is a beneficial approach to challenge the child and help them achieve new developmental milestones. It is recommended that you begin your child’s physical therapy as soon as possible to prevent any further complications. Physical therapy can help your child ...
How does speech therapy help with cerebral palsy?
The role of the speech therapist is to gradually improve your child’s ability to form words and speak clearly. If speech isn’t possible, they can teach your child different means of communication, like sign language. Moreover, children with this form of cerebral palsy may have the tendency to drool or face difficulty when trying to eat. Speech therapy can help your child gain control over these muscles to slowly eliminate these issues.
Why do you need to have spastic cerebral palsy?
This is most commonly prescribed for patients with spastic cerebral palsy because it can correct areas with increased muscle tone. One such procedure is getting muscles or tendons lengthened. Doing so allows for less restricted movement.
What is the purpose of a physical therapist?
Furthermore, physical therapists will devise a special exercise program based on your child’s specific needs. Many physical therapists will also use orthotics, which are devices used to train your child’s major muscle groups.
Is there a cure for cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a disability that impairs a person’s motor skills, movement, and muscle tone. While there is currently no cure for cerebral palsy, there are a number of therapy and other treatments that can improve the lives of children or adults with cerebral palsy.
What are the best ways to manage cerebral palsy?
Being aware of risk factors is a first step towards awareness. Therapy, medications, surgeries, assistive technologies and, with caution, some complementary and alternative interventions are commonly deployed to manage Cerebral Palsy.
What to call a parent who has cerebral palsy?
Call 800-692-4453 . The first thing a parent will hear after a physician says, “Your child has Cerebral Palsy,” will likely be the words, “At present, there is no cure.”. However, the fact that there is no cure does not mean that the diagnosis is dire.
Is there a cure for cerebral palsy?
Today, while there is no cure for Cerebral Palsy, it is widely held that avoiding risk factors before conception, during pregnancy, during labor and delivery, and after birth helps to parent a child from developing Cerebral Palsy.
Is cerebral palsy considered healthy?
Persons with Cerebral Palsy have impairment, but are considered healthy. By managing Cerebral Palsy and maximizing potential, individuals with Cerebral Palsy live active, engaged, and quality lives.
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