Treatments for Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a developmental disorder that will require a degree of long term care with a medical care team. The treatment is also a multi-dimensional process.  The team of people who may be involved with the care of an individual with cerebral palsy include: physical therapist, occupational therapists, speech therapists, pediatricians or physiatrists, pediatric neurologists, orthopedists, developmental specialists, a mental health provider, social worker and/or a special education teacher, family members, as well as other natural and formal supports. Treatments may also include the use of medications to control seizures, alleviate pain or reduce symptoms of spasticity attributed with cerebral palsy. Individuals with cerebral palsy may at some point need corrective surgery to correct abnormalities to the body. There are also several other mechanisms that may aid the individual such as: walkers, communication aids, computers with voice synthesizers and the like. Let us look at some of these treatments in a little bit more detail to understand how they help individuals with cerebral palsy and what the treatments entail. It is important to remember that cerebral palsy is not curable and therefore, treatments are usually symptomatic and focuses on helping the individual to develop as many motor skills as possible or to learn how to get around the difficulties that they face in daily life due to their disabilities.

Let us first discuss medications. The medications for people with cerebral palsy aim to lessen the tight muscles afflicting people with CP which can hopefully improve their ability to function. These medicines also treat pain and manage the complications related to spasticity.  The use of Botox is also common to treat spasticity when it is isolated to one muscle group. The Botox is shot directly into the muscle or nerve or both. Some side effects include weakness, difficulty breathing as well as difficulty with swallowing. However, if the whole body is affected, the use of oral muscle relaxants may help.  They are named diazepam ( Diazepam Intensol, Valium), tizanide (Zanaflex), dantrolene (Dantrium), and baclofen. With medicine comes a risk of dependence and parents should definitely consult with your doctor as to whether medical treatments are appropriate for the child’s needs.

Physical therapy is designed to encourage and assist the individual to build strength in order to improve their gait and movement, together with stretching programs to limit contractures. This therapy is very important to maintenance of muscle tone, bone structure and the prevention of joint dislocations. It is important to begin physical therapy at an early age, even in infancy. Physical therapy consists of stretching, positioning and strengthening the body. Physical therapy focuses on activities with the legs, like walking with braces and crutches as well as strengthening the body following surgery.

Speech therapy can help people with cerebral palsy to improve their speech patterns so they can be understood clearly by others. Some people with speech problems are also taught to use sign language. Speech therapist may also be able to teach people to use communication tools like a board coved with pictures of everyday items and activities, where they point to pictures to communicate their wants and needs. Speech therapy also comes in handy with individuals who have difficulty using the muscles in their tongue making chewing and swallowing difficult. The ability to be understood is very important for human beings. We get meaning from life around us through our social interactions and as children there is an even greater need to utilize these skills. Playing with other children is already difficult to achieve because of mobility issue, they do not need to add communication difficulties to the already long list of disabilities. Even though people with cerebral palsy may have normal intelligence they may have these communications issues that speech therapists can help with and in doing so, help those with speech difficulties utilize their intelligence.

Occupational therapy enables individuals with cerebral palsy to engage in activities of daily living that are meaningful to them. Because the symptoms of cerebral palsy interfere with the ability to engage in daily activities, self-management, productivity and leisure the goal of the occupational therapist is to evaluate, the physical and psychiatric conditions through selected activities In order to get people to function as closely to normal as possible. The goal is also to get them as close as possible to independence and helps them cope with their disability because there are still many things that they can do and they should be able to do them for themselves. This gives them a sense of worth and brings them joy knowing that they are able to be productive despite their disabilities.

 There are also many surgical procedures that can be done to aid people suffering with cerebral palsy. Children with severe deformities or contractures may need these surgeries on their bones and/or joints to place their legs and arms in the correct positions. Surgery is able to lengthen muscles that may be too short which may alleviate some pain, improve mobility and make it easier to walk with the use of braces or crutches or walkers.

There are many other treatments available to aid people with cerebral palsy but parents should also, remember that they are also a vital support that can aid in the treatment for their children with cerebral palsy. Parents should remember to try and foster independence within their children. If they can do something for themselves, let them. This allows them to grow and learn just like every other child. Be an advocate. Go out there and get information that will help you help yourself and your child with cerebral palsy. Speak up and find as many support networks as you can. There are many services, counseling centers and groups around, maybe even in your own communicate that can help your child benefit from what is available to everyone else inside and outside of the community.

Work Cited: www.originsofcerebralpalsy.com
                    www.mayoclinic.com/health/cerebral-palsy
                   www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cerebral_palsy