What Are My Options For Cerebral Palsy Therapy?

Therapy and treatment for cerebral palsy are of a wide variety. CP affects every person differently, so treatment must be tailored to the individual. As there isn't a cure for cerebral palsy, many doctors will focus on treatment and therapy that is oriented toward managing or minimizing the neurological issues that are associated with it. A cerebral palsy victim's team of healthcare providers will work together to provide a balanced regimen of treatment that is designed to increase the quality of one's life.

Therapy and treatment might include:

Drugs that control muscle spasms and seizures

Occupational therapy and treatment that is designed to help with self-sufficiency

Physical therapy that helps control muscle issues

Emotional counseling

Treatments in speech and speech therapy that helps increase communication skills

Braces and other technology that is designed to assist in movement.

Surgery that will reduce spastic contraction of muscles.

As science moves forward, there will be in increase in the types of cerebral palsy therapies that are provided. Some technological advancements include: botox injections, Baclofen pumps and selective dorsal rhizotomy. Each of these treatments has it's own inherent risks and benefits.

Botox injections:

The benefits of botox seem to far outweigh the risks. Doctors will typically inject Botox into 3 or 4 smaller muscle groups that are particularly affected by cerebral palsy. These injections provide a measured relief from spastic muscles at around 3 months. Most cerebral palsy patients use this period of relief to work on muscle stretching and range of motion exercises. It is important to note that botox IS expensive and the effects are merely temporary.