Treatment of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy can be treated in several different ways ranging from physical therapy to speech therapy to psychotherapy. Of course you can never discount the importance of prevention measures, which have become increasingly more available in the recent years. Pregnant mothers should be tested periodically for the Rh factor and immunized if necessary. Other preventive measures include but are not limited to:

• reducing exposure of pregnant women to infections
• prevention of prematurity
• recognition and treatment of bacterial infection during pregnancy
• control of diabetes, anemia and other nutritional deficiencies
• avoiding unnecessary drugs and medication
• light therapy for infants with jaundice

If an infant has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy it is crucially important to start treatment as early as possible. Some of the most common methods of treatment include:

Physical Therapy

In cerebral palsy conditions, muscle development can often occur slower than bone development. In these cases, physical therapy can be a very important part of treatment. Such physical therapy would normally consist of a routine set of stretches and exercises which would keep an infant's limbs from weakening. Additionally, therapy may include preparing the infant for typical physical activities such as moving independently, which can be achieved with the aid of walkers and braces.

Speech Therapy

In a lot of cerebral palsy cases speech therapy can help regain lost or weakened control over facial and throat muscles, which may cause such disabilities as speech impairment and drooling. A trained speech therapist can greatly assist a child suffering from cerebral palsy with gaining ability to communicate effectively.

Psychotherapy is another viable option, which reinforces the willpower to confront the condition, provides moral support, and helps prevent negative behaviors, which can worsen a child's condition. It is significant for parents to realize the importance of psychotherapy as well as any other treatment options available.

Medication

Medication can be used in addition to the above treatment methods and can help prevent certain effects of cerebral palsy such as seizures. It is always important to consult a certified physician before making a decision to treat cerebral palsy with any type of medication. Some of the most common types of medication used in cerebral palsy treatment may may include:

• Phenobarbital or Phenytoin for seizure prevention
• Antispasmodics for reducing muscle spasms and muscle relaxation
• Baclofen for controlling muscle contractions and relaxing tight muscles
• Anticholinergics for controlling abnormal and sudden movements caused by athetoid cerebral palsy
• Certain types of laxatives for treatment of constipation commonly associated with the condition.

Surgery

Surgery can be used as a means of improving the condition of live of individuals suffering with cerebral palsy. It can be performed in order to cut some of the nerves most affected by spasms and minimize muscle contractions as well as to loosen tight joints and muscles. Please be aware that only about 5 per cent of such procedures prove to be beneficial to cerebral palsy victims.

Although it is nearly impossible to fully treat all aspects of cerebral palsy, it is very important to continue providing treatment to the affected person by means of physical therapy, speech therapy and psychotherapy as it may greatly reduce the effects of cerebral palsy over time. There is a wide range of organizations and medical centers that provide support in dealing with this condition and assisting people affected with it as well as their families. It is also extremely important to consult a physician regularly as new treatment options may become more widely available helping people affected by cerebral palsy become active community members.