CEREBRAL PALSY TREATMENT
This condition is a neuromotor disorder characterised by lack of co-ordination of movement and poor muscle tone resulting from irreversible brain injury. There is no cure for this disability and treatment of cerebral palsy is restricted to attempted reduction of unwanted symptoms. It is possible to manage the mental and physical impairments that come with the disorder to some degree by the use of physical therapy, surgery and medication.
COMPENSATION HELPLINE 0845 177 0929
Diagnosis
Before any attempt is made at the treatment of cerebral palsy, it is essential that medical professionals make a full, accurate and complete diagnosis as this disorder closely resembles other illnesses and it is therefore essential to eliminate other possibilities for the symptoms. If this condition is positively diagnosed, it should be classified and categorised in order to identify which treatment will be appropriate. The different types include spastic, athetoid, ataxic and mixed cerebral palsy all of which can be further subdivided into hemiplegia, monoplegia, diplegia, triplegia and quadplegia which refers to the number of affected limbs.
COMPENSATION HELPLINE 0845 177 0929
Irreversible Brain Damage
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.
COMPENSATION HELPLINE 0845 177 0929
Treatment
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.
Probably the most common treatment of cerebral palsy is physical therapy which generally involves exercises to stretch the affected muscles and improve motor skills. Physical therapy also helps to counteract the negative effects from lack of use by strengthening wasted muscles. This treatment works by relaxing stiff muscles and preventing unnecessary contractions.
Behaviour therapy can assist some patients psychologically by helping them to relax. Other treatment of cerebral palsy includes occupational therapy and speech therapy, both of which may improve quality of life.
Prescription medication can often alleviate some of the symptoms. Medications can include tranquilisers, anti-convulsants and anti-spasmodics. Spasms and seisures may be controlled in full or in part by these prescription drugs.
In extreme cases it may be helpful to carry out surgery which usually involves the lengthening of affected muscles in order to minimise the effects of contractions. Neurological surgery can also help in reducing the stimulation to affected muscles.