CEREBRAL PALSY TREATMENT

Cerebral palsy treatment cannot undo the irreversible injury to the brain that causes CP and may result in difficult medical, social and educational challenges. It may be possible to improve quality of life by managing and controlling physical and mental disability by physical therapy, psychological treatment and drug therapy. The following therapies can help to reduce the effects of cerebral palsy symptoms and may be implemented as part of the treatment tailored to the individual's particular needs.

Physical therapy is usually started in the early years of a child’s life to prevent contracture complications by stretching the affected muscles which may improve motor development and prevent the muscles from becoming weakened due to lack of use.
Regular exercise in conjunction with physical therapy can help to reduce muscle contractures and deformity.
Behaviour therapy involving psychological techniques can improve quality of life.
Speech therapy may help communication skills.
Tranquilisers may be used to relax tightened muscles.
Antispasmodics may be used to reduce spasms.
Anticonvulsant medication may reduce seizures.
Some contractures can to be so severe that orthopaedic surgery can be appropriate to lengthen affected muscles.
Neuro surgery may be used in severe cases in order to reduce the amount of nervous stimulation that can reach the muscles.

There is a lot that can be done to help cerebral palsy children to control their muscular action and to prevent deformity from muscle contractures. Apart from the cerebral palsy treatment outlined above, those with severe problems can attend schools dedicated to their special needs. A range of health professionals are available to help people with cerebral palsy such as speech therapists, neurologists, physiotherapists and paediatricians, as well as GPs and community nurses.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

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