Orthopedic surgery is often recommended when spasticity and stiffness are severe enough to make walking and moving about difficult or painful. For many people with cerebral palsy…, improving the appearance
more »Seizures in children with cerebral palsy (CP) are fairly common. It is estimated that about 50% of children with CP have some type of seizures and 25-35% have epilepsy. Although seizures are only one of the issues associated with CP, they can be frightening, disruptive and possibly harmful to the brain for the children who have them.
There
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Of course, no parent ever wants to consider the concept of losing a child. However, when it comes to planning for the future of a child with special needs — with a birth injury or cerebral palsy– the life expectancy of the child is an important consideration to keep in mind when securing your families’ future.
…Cerebral palsy can’t be cured, but treatment will often improve a child’s capabilities. Many children go on to enjoy near-normal adult lives if their disabilities are properly managed. In general, the earlier treatment begins, the better chance children have of overcoming developmental disabilities or learning new ways to accomplish the tasks that challenge them.
There is no standard therapy that works
Since there is no cure for cerebral palsy itself, the general consensus is that the best practice is to treat the underlying medical conditions. Below are complications frequently associated with people whom have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy as well as the treatment options frequently suggested by the medical community.
Twenty to 40 percent of children with mental retardation
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Valiant medical research into the causes and treatment for patients with cerebral palsy has yielded relatively minor results for families coping with a child who has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Impatient with the development of new cerebral palsy treatments, many patients and families have turned their attention to non-traditional medical treatments.
Below are common cerebral palsy treatments… as suggested
…Devices that help individuals move about more easily and communicate successfully at home, at school, or in the workplace can help a child or adult with cerebral palsy overcome physical and communication limitations.
There are a number of devices that help individuals stand straight and walk, such as postural support or seating systems, open-front walkers, quadrupedal canes (lightweight metal canes
Orthotic devices… – such as braces and splints – use external force to correct muscle abnormalities. The technology of orthotics has advanced over the past 30 years from metal rods that hooked up to bulky orthopedic shoes, to appliances that are individually molded from high-temperature plastics for a precise fit. Ankle-foot orthoses are frequently prescribed for children with spastic diplegia to
more »Orthopedic surgery is often recommended when spasticity and stiffness are severe enough to make walking and moving about difficult or painful. For many people with cerebral palsy…, improving the appearance of how they walk – their gait – is also important. A more upright gait with smoother transitions and foot placements is the primary goal for many children and young adults.
more »Oral medications such as diazepam, baclofen, dantrolene sodium, and tizanidine are usually used as the first line of treatment to relax stiff, contracted, or overactive muscles. These drugs are easy to use, except that dosages high enough to be effective often have side effects, among them drowsiness, upset stomach, high blood pressure, and possible liver damage with long-term use. Oral…
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While there is no cure for CP, the symptoms can be treated in order to help the child live a more independent life. Treatment includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, counseling, behavioral therapy, medication, surgery, braces, and orthotic devices.
It is best if physical therapy… is started soon after CP
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