A child with cerebral palsy may require one or numerous treatments depending upon how extreme the symptoms are and what parts of the body are getting affected. The treatment varies from person to person, depending upon each person’s particular special needs. Although the early damage of cerebral palsy cannot be undone, earlier and long-term treatments may help better the functions and adjustments for the nervous system and musculoskeletal system.
The family may collaborate with the medical healthcare team and healthcare providers so that the child’s treatment can be done with utmost attention and care.
Kinds of treatment for cerebral palsy include:
Therapy and Rehabilitation center
The treatment of a child with cerebral palsy usually starts with therapies in the first few years of their life or as soon as possible after diagnosed. Physical therapy is indeed an essential part of the treatment. It incorporates exercises and activities that can keep up or improve your muscle strength, movement and balance. A physical therapist plays a significant role in a child’s life as he makes them learn primary attributes like walking, sitting, or using a wheelchair. There are other kinds of therapy which include-
Occupational therapy- this type of treatment enables children to learn necessary daily activities such as going to school or dressing.
Recreational therapy – make them participating in co-curricular activities such as cultural activities, art programs, and sports. These activities will make them active and eventually improves a child’s intellectual and physical skills.
Language therapy- a speech therapist would assist a child in learning and speaking more coherently, helping them solve reasoning problems, and using different techniques to teach them ways to communicate, such as using a particular communication device or sign language.
- Orthotic devices
Casts, splints, and braces can be placed under the limbs, improving balance and movement. Several devices can assist them with exercise and posture includes wheelchairs, walkers, and powered scooters.
- Technology
These include several computer-oriented communication machines, crutches, or Velcro-fastened shoes, which can effectively make their daily life more comfortable.
- Medication
Certain medicines can relax down the stiffed or over reactive abnormal movement. They can be taken orally, injected into affected areas, or saturate into the fluid around the spinal cord through a pump near the spinal cord. For children who are affected with epilepsy or cerebral palsy should take prescribed medicines. However, these medications may have some adverse effects on the developing brain.
- Surgery
A child may require surgery if the symptoms are too severe. In many cases, it has been observed that if other treatments are not sufficient, then a surgeon can cut particular nerves to treat abnormal movements. Before beginning the surgery, a surgeon must evaluate the whole procedure’s benefits by cautiously analyzing the biomechanics of muscles and joints.
There is no definite formula for all the cerebral palsy treatments. Each individual is different and needs a particular kind of therapy. In such circumstances, it becomes incredibly vital for parents, patients, or healthcare workers to work towards the best treatment plan for the patient.