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.

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.

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.

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