Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for cerebral palsy

by Raegan Kihn I Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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.Jan 10, 2022

Medication

Physical Therapy 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.

Procedures

Jan 10, 2022 · Forms of alternative therapy to treat cerebral palsy include: Acupuncture Aquatic therapy Hippotherapy (horse or equine therapy) Music therapy

Therapy

Self-care

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?

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What is the best treatment for cerebral palsy?

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

Can cerebral palsy be cured?

There is no cure for CP, but treatment can improve the lives of those who have the condition. It is important to begin a treatment program as early as possible.

What are 3 ways cerebral palsy can be treated?

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.

What are 3 early signs of cerebral palsy?

Signs and symptoms appear during infancy or preschool years. In general, cerebral palsy causes impaired movement associated with exaggerated reflexes, floppiness or spasticity of the limbs and trunk, unusual posture, involuntary movements, unsteady walking, or some combination of these.Sep 1, 2021

Can a child 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.May 5, 2021

What is the main cause of cerebral palsy?

The main cause of cerebral palsy is brain injury caused by lack of oxygen to the brain before, during, or shortly after childbirth. Brain damage caused by lack of oxygen (hypoxia) can result in an array of symptoms such as issues with fine motor skills, movement, coordination, muscle tone, and developmental delays.Jan 10, 2022

Why does cerebral palsy happen?

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage or abnormal development in the parts of the brain that control movement. These events can happen before, during, or shortly after birth or in the first few years of life, when the brain is still developing. In many cases the exact cause of cerebral palsy is not known.May 11, 2021

Does cerebral palsy show on MRI?

An MRI will be abnormal in 90% of children with cerebral palsy (3). It is usually the preferred method of testing on children because it is painless and reveals the structures of the brain.Nov 14, 2014

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 is the best treatment for cerebral palsy?

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 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 cranial ultrasound?

A cranial ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the brain. An ultrasound doesn't produce a detailed image, but it may be used because it's quick and inexpensive, and it can provide a valuable preliminary assessment of the brain.

How long does it take for an MRI to show brain abnormalities?

An MRI can often identify lesions or abnormalities in your child's brain. This test is painless, but it's noisy and can take up to an hour to complete .

What is the best medicine to relax muscles?

Oral muscle relaxants. Drugs such as diazepam (Valium), dantrolene (Dantrium), baclofen (Gablofen, Lioresal) and tizanidine (Zanaflex) are often used to relax muscles. Diazepam carries some dependency risk, so it's not recommended for long-term use.

How to help a child with independence?

Encourage any effort at independence, no matter how small. Be an advocate for your child. You're an important part of your child's health care team. Don't be afraid to speak out on your child's behalf or to ask tough questions of your physicians, therapists and teachers.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 an orthopedic surgeon?

Orthopedic surgeon – This is a medical doctor certified to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal diseases, injuries, and disorders. He or she can propose interventions to avert or treat abnormalities of the spine and limbs as a result of cerebral palsy.

Is cerebral palsy a disorder?

Cerebral palsy is a highly individualized disorder, impacting each patient in unique ways. Each patient’s cerebral palsy treatment largely depends on their own individual desires, based on the severity of their situation, as well as other pertinent factors. What to Know About Treatment.

What is the role of a therapist in a child's development?

Therapists provide help at different stages during development, shaping treatment to provide the greatest benefit for each patient’s evolving condition. Early care, for example, includes hands-on work with caregivers, preparing them to respond to the needs of a child with cerebral palsy.

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.

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:

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.

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.

Can speech therapy help with cerebral palsy?

Many cerebral palsy patients experience speech difficulties due to brain damage. Speech therapy can teach children how to communicate more effectively.

Can cerebral palsy cause urinary tract infections?

Urinary tract infections are very common in children with cerebral palsy. Children with cerebral palsy often struggle with bladder control and constipation due to lack of muscle control. Parents can help prevent urinary infections by giving frequent baths and diaper changes.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Alternative Medicine

Coping and Support

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

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