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Cerebral palsy (CP) refers to a group of
conditions that affect control of movement and posture. Because of damage to one
or more parts of the brain that control movement, an affected child cannot move
his or her muscles normally. While
symptoms range from mild to severe, the
condition does not get worse as the child gets older. With treatment, most
children can significantly improve their abilities.
A multidisciplinary team of health care professionals develops an individualized
treatment plan based on the severity of cerebral palsy. It is imperative to
involve patients, families, teachers, and caregivers in all phases of planning,
decision making, and treatment. The individualized treatment plan will take into
consideration both the immediate needs of the patient, and the long term
prognosis for development. A child's brain and nervous system, because they are
still developing, have an amazing ability to heal themselves to differing
degrees. Often, initial signs of cerebral palsy in milder cases may improve over
time, and with proper care and treatment.
Normally, muscles and tendons stretch and grow at the same rate as bones. With
cerebral palsy conditions, muscle development may not keep pace with bone growth
due to spasticity or contracture.
Physical therapy is an important part of any treatment plan for cerebral
palsy patients. Physical therapy may include:
- Daily range of motion exercises can assist
with muscle development, and help keep limbs from growing weak or stiff.
- Stretches and Exercises can also improve the
development of a child's motor skills.
- As the child ages and prepares for daily
living, therapy may focus on improving the ability to sit, move independently,
dress, and use the bathroom.
- Orthotics, such as braces and walkers, can
help with limb control and positioning, and can be an important element of
therapy - helping the child to perform daily tasks and participate in
activities.
Children with cerebral palsy often benefit from
speech therapy. In some cases, the lack of control in facial and throat
muscles can cause drooling and eating difficulties - speech therapy can help
regain some of this control. In addition, children with athetoid (dyskinetic) CP
frequently have difficulty pronouncing words, a speech therapist can assist a
child with their communication.
A child living with cerebral palsy can sometimes become frustrated, angry and
irritable. Psychotherapy can improve behavioral issues, providing
encouragement, improving self-esteem, reinforce positive messages, and stop
negative behaviors like hair pulling and biting.
Medication may be used to target particular disabilities, such as
seizures. As with many forms of drug therapy, a certain amount of
experimentation may be required before optimum results are achieved.
- Antispasmodics are the most common medications
used. They relax tight muscles and reduce muscle spasms. The muscle relaxants
diazepam (Valium®) and dantrolene (Dantrium®) may be prescribed to control
muscle contraction and spasticity.
- Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, and other
Anticonvulsants are needed with patients who suffer seizures.
- Baclofen is a muscle relaxant and antispastic
medication that is available in tablet and injectable forms.
- Anticholinergics inhibit the effects of
acetylcholine, a brain chemical that triggers muscle contraction and may be
prescribed to control the abnormal movements associated with athetoid cerebral
palsy.
- Stool softeners and mild laxatives may help
treat constipation, which is a common complaint of people with CP.
In addition to the above therapy options and
available medications, some surgeries can be beneficial, improving the
quality of life for CP patients.
- Surgery can be performed to loosen tight
muscles and release fixed joints. This is most commonly used on major joint
centers like hips, knees, and ankles. Only about 5% of people with stiffness
of their elbows, wrists, hands, and fingers benefit from surgery.
- Surgery can be used to cut some of the nerves
on limbs most effected by spasms. This procedure can reduce spasms and restore
a degree of control.
- Additional surgeries may be beneficial for
those with CP. These include surgeries for orthopedic problems (hip
dislocation, uneven leg length, scoliosis, etc.), or medication-related
procedures where a pump may be inserted in the abdomen to deliver medications.
For most, cerebral palsy is a life-long condition, however,
treatments and environmental management can result in an
improved quality of life for families. Staying informed about the latest
treatment options, working with medical professionals, and creating a support
system of family, friends and educators can assist in the healthy development of
your child.
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Your Legal Concerns
While most doctors, nurses, midwives, and
hospital technicians provide a high standard of care for their patients,
unfortunately, many families are harmed by medical mistakes. A physician may
have misread fetal monitoring equipment, failed to diagnose fetal distress
during labor, waited too long to perform a C Section, administered too much
Pitocin, or failed to act in a timely manner. Parents of a child suffering with
cerebral palsy should
contact an
experienced cerebral palsy lawyer to research the cause of their child’s
condition.
For a FREE Online Case Evaluation,
click here.
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