Treatment FAQ

what is the most effective treatment for cerebral palsy

by Mrs. Frieda Stracke Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Physical therapy is one of the most important forms of treatment for children with cerebral palsy. Most physicians recommend physical therapy for all children with cerebral palsy, regardless of how minor or severe the disorder is.Nov 29, 2021

Medication

Treatment

  • Medications. Medications that can lessen muscle tightness might be used to improve functional abilities, treat pain and manage complications related to spasticity or other cerebral palsy symptoms.
  • Therapies. Physical therapy. ...
  • Surgical procedures. Surgery may be needed to lessen muscle tightness or correct bone abnormalities caused by spasticity.

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.

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Therapy

Medicines that can help relieve several of the symptoms of cerebral palsy include:

  • medicines for muscle stiffness, such as diazepam or baclofen, that can be taken as tablets or liquids – baclofen can also sometimes be given using a small pump inserted under ...
  • botulinum toxin injections – injections that relax certain muscles or groups of muscles for a few months at a time
  • a medicine called melatonin for sleeping difficulties

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Self-care

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?

Nutrition

What methods can be used when treating cerebral palsy?

What therapies help people with severe cerebral palsy?

What is the best medicine for cerebral palsy?

How much does treating cerebral palsy really cost?

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Which treatment is best for cerebral palsy?

Braces, splints or other supportive devices 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 at home and school and in the community.

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.

Can cerebral palsy can be treated?

There's currently no cure for cerebral palsy, but treatments are available to help people with the condition be as active and independent as possible. Children and adults with the condition are cared for by a team of healthcare professionals, who will work with you to come up with a care plan.

What are the treatments therapy that a person can benefit from cerebral palsy?

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, along with adaptive equipment, are popular forms of treatment for children with Cerebral Palsy.

Can surgery Fix cerebral palsy?

Surgery is one of the many options available to help children with cerebral palsy improve mobility, posture and ensure healthy growth. Most doctors recommend physical therapy and medication before surgery. Surgery can correct or improve movement and alignment in the legs, ankles, feet, hips, wrists and arms.

Can stem cell therapy cure cerebral palsy?

However, it has been proven through studies on nervous tissue regeneration, that it is possible to repair the damaged brain tissues to an extent. Stem cells obtained from various sources can be used for stem cell therapy in Cerebral palsy to repair this damage.

Can cerebral palsy get better?

There is no cure for CP, but a child's quality of life can improve with: treatment that may involve medicine or surgery. therapy, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. special equipment to help kids get around and communicate with others.

Does CP get worse with age?

Cerebral palsy and adulthood explained Cerebral palsy is a “non-progressive” disorder. This means that as children get older, their CP will not worsen. While an individual's cerebral palsy will not decline as they get older, there are a few things that can impact their overall health and wellness.

Can cerebral palsy reversed?

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 long does a child with severe cerebral palsy live?

Severe cerebral palsy life expectancy Severe cerebral palsy may have a shorter life expectancy than mild cerebral palsy patients. Patients with severe cerebral palsy tend to have significant mobility and/or intellectual limitations. For this reason, these individuals have a 40% chance of living to 20 years old.

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.

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.

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 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 is the most common type of cerebral palsy?

The most common type of cerebral palsy is spastic cerebral palsy, which includes stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes. Other types of cerebral palsy include movement disorders involving poor balance and coordination (ataxic) and difficulty controlling voluntary muscles (dyskinetic).

What scale do you use to diagnose cerebral palsy?

After making the diagnosis of cerebral palsy, your doctor may use a rating scale tool, such as the Gross Motor Function Classification System, to determine function and severity of mobility, posture and balance. This information can help in selecting treatments.

Why is spasticity treated with surgery?

Surgery may be needed to lessen muscle tightness or correct bone abnormalities caused by spasticity. These treatments include:

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.

Can cerebral palsy be treated with alternative medicine?

Some children and adolescents with cerebral palsy use some form of complementar y or alternative medicine. These are therapies that are unproved and have not been adopted into routine clinical practice. If you're considering a complementary or alternative medicine or therapy, talk with your doctor about potential risks and benefits.

Is there a cure for cerebral palsy?

There is no cure for cerebral palsy. However, there are many treatments options that may help improve your child's daily functioning. Selecting care will depend on his or her specific symptoms and needs, and needs may change over time. Early intervention can improve outcomes.

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 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.

How many children with cerebral palsy have intellectual disabilities?

According to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, about 50% of all children with cerebral palsy have an intellectual disability. The severity of intellectual disability in children with cerebral palsy can vary. Cerebral palsy treatment for intellectual disabilities usually involves a combination of medication and behavioral therapy.

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.

Why do you see a cerebral palsy specialist?

Cerebral palsy specialists will see your child regularly to ensure the child’s treatment and development are on track for success.

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.

Botox Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

Botox is the brand name for the Botulism toxin. Doctors use Botox to reduce muscle tightness, increase the ability of a muscle to stretch and to decrease likeliness of permanent muscle contracture. The toxin works by blocking nerve signals passing between the muscle and the spinal column.

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy as a Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

Selective dorsal rhizotomy works best for cerebral palsy patients with spastic diplegia. Selective dorsal rhizotomy is a surgery that reduces muscle stiffness and spasticity in the legs. Nerves affecting muscles with symptoms of cerebral palsy are severed to reduce spasticity.

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.

How does therapy help with cerebral palsy?

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.

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.

How does a comprehensive treatment plan work?

A comprehensive treatment plan takes the child’s abilities into consideration, as well as his or her socio-economic situation and home care dynamics. Health insurance coverage is important and can be obtained through government sources, employer benefit programs, or private providers. Many avenues of government assistance, community support, and professional services are designed to assist in fulfillment of these needs, while the public education system is mandated by the government to accommodate a child’s special needs throughout his or her school-age years and transition to adulthood.

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 supported by?

Children with cerebral palsy may be supported by a team of professionals including health professionals and community-based support services who work together to help the child and family reach their goals.

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 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.

How to help temporary pain?

Temporary relief of pain may be assisted through massage or hydrotherapy.

What do physiotherapists do?

Physiotherapists and occupational therapists may also focus on preventing impairments that might affect movement. They use casts, orthotics and muscle strengthening exercises.

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 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 six-step treatment plan?

A diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy can be life-altering for a child and his or her parents. For parents, concern that the child is not meeting established developmental milestones is confirmed with an official diagnosis, which, in turn, leads to many questions:

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.

How long can a child live with cerebral palsy?

With the exception of some severe cases, most individuals diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy are expected to live the span of a normal life. Research also indicates the life expectancy of a child with Cerebral Palsy is affected by his or her level of mobility, as well as the ability to communicate, socialize, feed, clothe and bathe his or her self and control pain. Other important factors include seizure control, prevention of respiratory disease and optimization of cognitive functioning, learning opportunities and the ability to see.

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.

How long do you have to keep medical records for Cerebral Palsy?

States have set guidelines related to the number of years a medical professional is required to keep medical records, usually seven years after the last visit. They are not obligated to inform patients when disposing of records. Medical records of a child with Cerebral Palsy can be useful at many points in the child’s development and treatment.

What is cerebral palsy?

Introduction. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of non-progressive disorders of the brain and nervous system dysfunction. It affects the child's movement, vision, learning, and thinking processes [1]. It can occur before birth, during birth, and within the first year of childbirth [2].

What is the goal of CP children?

The goal for these children, their families, medical care, education, and society at large is for them to grow and develop to their maximum capabilities so that they may succeed as contributing members of society. We studied the conservative and surgical treatment outcome of CP children. It helped us understand the problem of the CP, treatment options, and their outcomes with the passage of time.

What is the CP rate in a 1000 birth?

In every 1000 live births, the CP rate as a whole was between 2 and 3. But may increase up to 40-100 per 1000 live births in premature and low birth weight newborns [11]. Diplegia, hemiplegia, and quadriplegia (involvement of all four limbs) were involved to explain the clinical patterns of CP. The term double hemiplegia suggested bilateral involvement described by greater involvement of the arms than the legs. Asymmetrical involvement or a clearly dominant side was suggested by some practitioners to explain this term. Spasticity, rigidity, hypotonia, dystonia (e.g., athetosis), or a mixture of these disorders were some movement disorders and they can coexist with clinical patterns [12].

How many years after birth can a child have CP?

It appears as a result of brain injuries and abnormalities that can present two years after birth. In some children, it occurs as a result of brain hypoxia while premature infants have a higher risk of developing CP [3,4]. The reported incidence of CP is 1.5 to 2.5 per 1000 childbirth.

Is CP a mental illness?

CP is the second most common disease after mental retardation that causes disability in child growth , but it also affects adults. There is a lack of special training amongst primary healthcare physicians and specialists for treating children with developmental abnormalities [7]. The symptoms of CP vary according to the presentation. It can be mild to severe with one side or whole of the body involvement [8]. Increasing research work to understand the hormonal, infection, and genetic factors are involved in premature births of babies given by the mother [9,10].

Does conservative management affect movement disorder?

Conclusion: The conservative and surgical management showed no effect on movement disorder of the child although, on the final rating scale fair to good treatment outcome was observed in all children.  There was an improvement in muscle power grading on the ADL, but no significant improvement was seen on the improvement of type, parts of the body involved, gross motor function classification, modified Ashworth, and ranking disability grading of the children.

Is CP treatment good?

Both treatments (conservative and surgical) have a good effect on the final rating scale of treatment on CP child ranging from fair to good outcomes. There was an improvement in muscle power grading on the ADL, but no significant improvement was seen on the improvement of type, parts of the body involved, gross motor function classification, modified Ashworth, and ranking disability grading of the children.

Patient Improvements Post-Treatment

Many of our Cerebral Palsy patients who use our treatment alongside our other combined therapies, have shown signs of improvement in their condition. The areas and symptoms where we have found the treatment to be particularly effective include:

Care, compassion and understanding

Our specialised treatment serves to promote healing of the original brain injury, to restore neurological function to the best capacity possible in the face of the condition.

More Than A Medical Centre

One of our main aims at Beike, alongside symptom improvement, is to improve quality of life for both our patients and their families. We understand the difficulties that accompany caring for someone with Cerebral Palsy, and strive to offer as much support as we can through all phases of your treatment. We are more than just a medical centre.

Beike Benefits

From your first point of contact with any of our professionals, right through to treatment and beyond, we will provide you with all the necessary support, guidance and quality advice as well as evidence based treatment, delivered by the highest quality consultants.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Alternative Medicine

Coping and Support

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Juhi Mehrotra
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatments include medications, physical, occupational therapies, psychological therapy, and surgeries to improve quality of life.
Medication

Botox injections: Botulinum toxins are injected directly into affected the muscles or nerves.

OnabotulinumtoxinA


Muscle relaxants: Oral drugs to relax stiff and contracted muscles.

Diazepam . Dantrolene . Baclofen

Procedures

Orthopedic surgery: Suggested for children with contractures.

Selective dorsal rhizotomy: Cutting the nerves that result in spastic muscles.

Therapy

Physical therapy:Muscle training and exercises to improve strength, balance, and mobility; Braces and splints may be recommended.

Occupational therapy:Guiding the patient in using alternative strategies and adaptive equipments such as walkers or canes, to perform activities.

Speech and language therapy:Helps improve communication using language or sign language.

Recreational therapy:To improve motor skills and emotional well-being.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Encourage the child’s efforts to work independently.
  • Discuss any apprehensions regarding your child’s health with your doctor.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Foods rich in calcium: e.g. milk, yogurt, and cheese
  • Vitamin D rich Foods: e.g. salmon, tuna, fish liver oil, fortified products such as milk, orange juice, and cereal
  • Foods rich in phosphorus: e.g. dairy products, fish, eggs, poultry, nuts, and whole grains
  • Foods rich in magnesium, copper, zinc, and manganese: e.g. beans, vegetables

Foods to avoid:

  • NA

Specialist to consult

Neurologist
Specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system, which includes the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves.
Pediatrician
Specializes in the health of children, including physical, behavioral, and mental health issues

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, …
See more on mayoclinic.org

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