Cerebral Palsy Treatment

There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but several treatment methods are available to help patients live near-normal lives. Surgery, therapy, medication and the use of braces are among the many methods of treating different types of cerebral palsy. The type of treatment used for each person depends largely on the type of cerebral palsy he or she has. Spastic cerebral palsy, which is the most popular form of the disorder, causes muscle tightness and imbalances that may require braces and physical therapy. Other types of cerebral palsy may be treated with medication to control seizures or occupational therapy to hone writing skills and other basic tasks requiring dexterity and coordination.

Cerebral Palsy Drug Treatment

Drugs and medications are used to treat many symptoms of cerebral palsy, including the muscle tightness that is common among those with spastic cerebral palsy. The most commonly used drugs to control muscle spasticity are diazepam, baclofen and dantrolene. Diazepam helps relax the brain and body, reducing overall stress and tension that can lead to increased symptoms and muscle tightness. The other two drugs, baclofen and dantrolene, interrupt processes in the nervous system that can lead to muscle contraction. These medications are used for short-term relief of troublesome symptoms. Like many medicines, these drugs often induce side effects and are not shown to be as potent when used over long periods of time. Therapy is generally viewed as the best solution for long-term care.

Drug treatment is also used to quell symptoms of other forms of cerebral palsy. Many patients with the disorder suffer from seizures, which can often be limited or controlled with medication. Other drugs may help the body control abnormal, involuntary movements triggered by cerebral palsy.

Surgery to Treat Cerebral Palsy

Severe problems stemming from spastic cerebral palsy can be treated with surgery. In these procedures, problematic muscles and tendons are lengthened to relieve stress on muscles that are continually too tight. These muscle correction procedures can make gigantic differences in the lives of patients who have trouble walking or moving on a regular basis. The problem is these procedures are complex. A single movement of the arm or leg can involve contraction from dozens of muscles. Lengthening a muscle also causes that muscle to become weaker, which can cause further complications without intensive physical therapy and weeks or months or recovery time.

Other types of surgery are also used to correct problems associated with spastic cerebral palsy. For example, a technique called selective root rhizotomy involves severing overactive nerves that trigger spasticity in the legs. Researchers are continuing to experiment with electronic stimulation techniques that, in theory, would reduce spasticity symptoms by using electricity to stimulate movement coordination in the brain.

Braces and Support Devices

People who have cerebral palsy often have muscle imbalances and tightness that can cause weaknesses and injuries in various parts of the body. Corrective braces are often used to provide additional support for overstressed joints, strained tendons or weakened muscles. Certain kinds of braces are aimed to improve the structural stability of a joint or limb, while other braces help keep muscles warm and loose, which helps deter sever symptoms of spastic cerebral palsy.

High-tech computerized devices have also been created to help out people with severe cases of cerebral palsy. People who are unable to speak or write because of their disorders can communicate via hands-free computer devices. One such device is a computer controlled by a light pointer that attaches to a headband – these devices are often simple enough for even children to use effectively. Numerous other devices are available to help people with all types of cerebral palsy communicate with others.