- 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.
Medication
Aug 11, 2013 · Common types of treatment for cerebral palsy include 1, 2: Physical therapy and rehabilitation. A child with cerebral palsy usually starts these therapies in the first few years... Occupational therapy. This type of therapy helps a child learn to do everyday activities such as dressing and going ...
Procedures
Jan 10, 2022 · Forms of alternative therapy to treat cerebral palsy include: Acupuncture Aquatic therapy Hippotherapy (horse or equine therapy) Music therapy
Therapy
Sep 05, 2019 · On this page, we provide a brief overview of cerebral palsy speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and alternative therapy options. 1. CP Physical Therapy Physical therapy treatment for cerebral palsy is a beneficial approach to challenge the child and help them achieve new developmental milestones.
Self-care
Dec 09, 2020 · Treatment Options There is no standard therapy that works for every type and every person with CP. Many factors should be considered when putting together a treatment plan. Once a CP diagnosis is made and the type of CP is determined, a team of health care professionals will work to develop a treatment plan to meet your goals.
Nutrition
Therapy is the cornerstone of all cerebral palsy treatment plans. The primary types of therapy used in the treatment of all types of cerebral palsy are physical therapy and occupational therapy.
What methods can be used when treating cerebral palsy?
Aug 24, 2018 · Here are some of the common treatment options for Cerebral Palsy. Physical Therapy. This is one of the most effective treatments for Cerebral Palsy. Physical therapy generally starts at a young age and is designed to help build a child’s strength, flexibility, and coordination to improve their independent motor skills.
What therapies help people with severe cerebral palsy?
There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but many treatments and therapies exist that can provide relief from symptoms. Get Help Paying for Your Child’s Cerebral Palsy Treatment A simple, no obligation, free case evaluation may help improve your child's quality of life and give you peace of mind. Speak With A Caseworker
What is the best medicine for cerebral palsy?
Nov 29, 2011 · Treatments that use hot, cold, massage and other stimuli are always being improved upon and can help with spasmodic muscles. New devices, however, go a bit further. These devices include ones that stimulate the muscles by sending electrical current through it.
How much does treating cerebral palsy really cost?
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?
Physical therapy is among the most effective treatments for cerebral palsy . Often started at a young age, the treatment builds strength, flexibility and coordination, improving a child’s independent motor functioning. Physical therapy is personalized to each case, focusing on the most-affected areas of the body.
What is the purpose of cerebral palsy treatment?
The purpose of treatment is to enhance the quality of life for each patient , creating rewarding outcomes for children with all types of cerebral palsy . By improving overall health and reducing the incidence of complications, treatment reinforces independence and prepares CP patients to lead normal daily lives.
What is speech therapy for cerebral palsy?
Speech Therapy for Cerebral Palsy. Speech and language therapists diagnose and treat disorders commonly resulting from cerebral palsy. Speech therapy helps children speak more clearly and use assistive devices or sign language, as needed.
How does physical therapy help with cerebral palsy?
Physical therapy helps improve the overall quality of life for cerebral palsy patients by: Relieving physical pain and limitations. Increasing self independence. Increasing muscle definition and tone. Increasing range of motion for tendons and muscles. Scoliosis, or spinal curvature, is commonly associated with cerebral palsy.
What is the purpose of medication for cerebral palsy?
Medication for cerebral palsy is prescribed to ease symptoms and treat co-occurring conditions. Numerous pharmacological interventions are used to alleviate moving difficulties, including relaxants and drugs aimed at spasticity associated with cerebral palsy.
What are assistive devices used for?
As part of comprehensive treatment, assistive devices are sometimes used to compensate for weak muscles or increased muscle tone often seen with CP. Casts, splints and braces provide support and encourage improvements in posture, mobility, balance and normal physical development.
What is sensory processing in occupational therapy?
Childhood occupational therapy is guided by the needs of each patient, focusing on activities most meaningful to the child treated.
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 is the treatment for cerebral palsy?
The primary types of therapy used in the treatment of all types of cerebral palsy are physical therapy and occupational therapy. Due to the uniqueness of physical disabilities in each individual case, even with the same cerebral palsy sub type, therapy programs are usually custom ...
What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is the result of a glitch in the brain that forms from cell damage during childbirth or gestation. Unlike other cells in the body, brain cells are not able to regenerate or heal. Once the cerebral palsy glitch forms in the brain, there is no way to repair it. The good news is that there are a multitude of highly effective treatment ...
Why do people with cerebral palsy take anticholinergics?
Lastly, anticholinergic meds are often used in children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy to limit the frequency and severity of uncontrolled and involuntary bodily movements. Additionally, these drugs can also reduce drooling and other symptoms.
Can cerebral palsy be treated at home?
Research has indicated that physical therapy started in children under 12 months old with cerebral palsy can significantly increase the long-term results of the treatment. Generally, physical therapy is provided at home for babies and young children. In contrast, older children usually will go to pediatric physical therapy facilities specifically ...
What is the best medication for cerebral palsy?
Some cerebral palsy medications your child may take include: Baclofen: A muscle relaxant that provides long-term reductions in muscle spasticity. Dantrium/Dantrolene: A muscle relaxant taken for severe spasms. Diazepam/Valium: An overall relaxant that can ease tension and may help with seizures.
What is the least common type of cerebral palsy?
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy. The least common type of cerebral palsy, ataxic CP affects around 5 to 10 percent of patients. The name comes from the root word “ataxia,” meaning “uncoordinated,” which describes the difficulties with balance and coordination that occur with this type of CP.
How many cerebral palsy cases are diagnosed?
A cerebral palsy diagnosis can be reached when symptoms are present and a brain injury can be found. Most cases of cerebral palsy, up to 70 percent, are diagnosed by a child’s first birthday, with 43 percent of severe cases being diagnosed in the first months of life .
How many children are affected by cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a developmental disorder and leading cause of disability in young children. It affects approximately 500,000 children and adults, with around 8,000 babies and between 1,200 and 1,500 preschool-age children diagnosed each year. Cerebral palsy occurs as a result of a brain injury sustained during fetal development or birth.
How to tell if a child has cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is diagnosed based on the presence of the following clinical signs: Improper muscle tone, including hypotonia, hypertonia, and dystonia.
Why do toddlers have cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the motor cortex of the brain. This is the part of the brain that affects muscle control and coordination.
When did cerebral palsy get its name?
Cerebral palsy received its modern name in 1889, when Sir William Osler, building upon Little’s research, began to study the disability. Several decades of research led to the development of the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation (UCP) in 1949, which continues to promote knowledge and support to this day.
What are the benefits of tablet computers for CP?
Tablet computers have been provided with programs that help CP sufferers to get some exercise and to improve their control over their muscles with simple games . The fact that these versatile devices even exist, and are so portable, opens the door for numerous other forms of treatment that may be provided through computers.
Can cerebral palsy be reversed?
Because cerebral palsy is a disorder caused by a brain injury, there’s really nothing that can be done to actually reverse or even treat the actual cause of CP, treatments mostly focus on treating the symptoms. In the future, however, there very well may be options in that vein. Right now, most of the innovations still have to do with how the symptoms of CP are treated.
Can CP be prevented?
Even though this won’t help anyone who already has the disorder, it may be the beginning of such treatments. Current medical science has no way of relieving brain injuries, but that doesn’t mean that future medical science will not have ways to prevent or treat brain injuries.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Alternative Medicine
Coping and Support
Specialist to consult
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy can become more apparent over time, so a diagnosis might not be made until a few months to a year after birth. In some cases where the signs and symptoms are mild, diagnosis may be delayed longer. If your family doctor or pediatrician suspects your child has cerebral palsy, he or she will evaluate your child's signs and symptoms, …