Cerebral Palsy Treatments

Unfortunately, a cure for cerebral palsy does not yet exist. However a number cerebral palsy treatments and therapies are available to enable people with cerebral palsy to reach their fullest physical, cognitive, and emotional potential. These cerebral palsy treatments can significantly improve the quality of life for many patients and their families. Each patient’s cerebral palsy treatment will depend on their own individual needs, based on the type and severity of their condition, as well as other relevant factors. Therapeutic approaches to cerebral palsy include a myriad of methods which are often combined to provide the most effective cerebral palsy treatment.

Cerebral palsy treatment is often administered by a team of caring and competent medical professionals including doctors, physical and occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, social workers and others who are devoted to helping patients and families like yours receive the attention and care you deserve.

The following are the most common routes of cerebral palsy treatment:

Physical and Occupational Therapy

Because this condition is characterized by motor movement difficulties, physical and occupational therapies usually figure prominently into cerebral palsy treatment. These types of therapy should be initiated early on in a child’s life and will often continue for many years, depending on the individual’s needs and their condition. Physical therapy often helps to manage and improve gross motor skills involving larger muscle groups, while occupational therapy is focused more on fine motor movements and developing daily life skills. Physical therapy often involves a series of exercises designed to prevent muscle weakness, apathy and contracture. It can also help to improve motor development. Occupational therapy can help a child improve daily activities involving fine motor coordination, such as eating and showering.

Drug Therapy for Cerebral Palsy

Certain medications are available to help manage and treat some of the symptoms of cerebral palsy. This method of cerebral palsy treatment can help with muscle rigidity and spasticity, seizures and other conditions caused or associated with cerebral palsy.

Surgical Cerebral Palsy Treatment

Surgery can help patients with cerebral palsy in a number of ways. For example, surgical treatments can help to enable or enhance standing and walking by stabilizing joints, reducing tremors and muscle rigidity, restoring balance and more.

Speech and language therapy

For cerebral palsy patients whose speech is affected by their condition they may also benefit from speech and language therapy, which helps individuals overcome problems with communication and facilitate the improved use and control of facial muscles.

Psychological treatment

Emotional and behavioral aspects of cerebral palsy can be addressed with the help of qualified psychologists, psychotherapists and related professionals. Such cerebral palsy treatment can amend behavioral and emotional difficulties in children with cerebral palsy and improve poor habits.

Assistive Devices

Fortunately, numerous technologies have been developed to help improve the abilities and quality of life of patients with cerebral palsy. Assistive devises can range from voice synthesizers to bathroom railings to special chairs for automobiles. These cerebral palsy treatments can help facilitate normal daily activities.

Other Cerebral Palsy Treatments

Cerebral palsy treatments are constantly being researched in order to discover new and more effective ways of managing this condition and improving quality of life. Botox injections, hippotherapy, hyperbaric (water) therapy, swimming and alternative medicines are just some of the cutting edge and non-conventional methods of cerebral palsy treatment that show great promise. New drugs and surgical methods are also being developed to help better care for patients with cerebral palsy.