what is a treatment for cerebral palsy

Symptoms

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?

Causes

• 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.

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Prevention

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. ...

Complications

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.

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 treatment is used 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 most effective treatment for cerebral palsy?

Physiotherapy involves exercises to help maintain and hopefully improve movement. It's one of the most important treatments for cerebral palsy. The main goals of physiotherapy are to: encourage movement.

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 cerebral palsy and can it be cured?

Cerebral palsy is a permanent condition, and there is no cure. However, cerebral palsy is also not progressive, which means it does not get worse over time. Some of the associated conditions may worsen. Treatments cannot cure cerebral palsy, but they can improve symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.

How can you help a 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 famous person has cerebral palsy?

Geri Jewell is an actress, comedian, author, and motivational speaker who received national recognition for being the first person with cerebral palsy to be cast in a prime-time television series, starring in NBC's The Facts of Life and HBO's Deadwood.

Can people with cerebral palsy 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.

Does physical therapy help cerebral palsy?

Physical therapy is often the first step in treating cerebral palsy. It can help improve motor skills and can prevent movement problems from getting worse over time.

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)

Can people with cerebral palsy talk?

Communication issues Some people with cerebral palsy may not be able to produce any sounds, others may be able to produce sounds but have difficulty controlling their movement enough to produce speech that is clear and understood by others. 1 in 4 people with cerebral palsy cannot talk.

How long do people with cerebral palsy live?

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. There is no cure for cerebral palsy and the condition lasts for life.

What are the 3 types of cerebral palsy?

Types of cerebral palsyQuadriplegia (a form of bilateral cerebral palsy) Both arms and legs are affected. ... Diplegia (a form of bilateral cerebral palsy) Both legs are affected. ... Hemiplegia (a form of unilateral cerebral palsy) One side of the body (one arm and one leg) is affected.

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 recreational therapy?

Recreational therapy. Some children benefit from regular or adaptive recreational or competitive sports activities, such as therapeutic horseback riding or skiing. This type of therapy can help improve your child's motor skills, speech and emotional well-being.

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 treatment for cerebral palsy?

While therapy and adaptive equipment are the primary treatment protocol for Cerebral Palsy, an individual may also require drug therapy and surgical interventions. Some families, with caution and physician guidance, turn to complementary and alternative medicine for additional assistance. Although each medical specialist may have specific care ...

How to contact Cerebral Palsy?

Contact Us Today. Call 800-692-4453. Treating Cerebral Palsy is almost as complex as the condition is, and there’s no cookie-cutter approach because each individual is affected differently. Although the brain injury that causes Cerebral Palsy cannot be healed, the resulting physical impairment can be managed with a wide range ...

What is a treatment plan for a child?

Due to the variety of conditions that need to be addressed, a treatment plan usually involves a multidisciplinary team of medical specialists working closely with the child’s pediatrician to establish and accomplish care goals. Parents or legal guardians work closely with the multi-disciplinary team.

What is complementary medicine?

Complementary medicine, when used under doctor supervision, can be used as a complement to an existing treatment plan. Alternative medicine is a treatment method that is used to replace conventional medicine.

Is there a universal protocol for cerebral palsy?

Although there is no universal protocol developed for all cases, a person’s form of Cerebral Palsy, extent of impairment, and severity level help to determine care.

Is cerebral palsy a co-mitigating factor?

Management of the Cerebral Palsy is further complicated by co-mitiga ting factors not caused by the same brain injury that caused Cerebral Palsy, but that still exists in the child as a separate condition requiring simultaneous treatment.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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