Treatment of Cerebral Palsy

Even though cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition, it does not get worse over time. Unfortunately, there is no cure yet, but a variety of treatments do exist.

Medication for specific symptoms:

• Anticonvulsants (such as Dilantin, Depakote, Klonopin, phenobarbital, etc.) to control seizures.
• Muscle relaxants (such as Dantrium or Valium) for short-term control of spasticity and muscle tightness.
• Anticholinergics (such as Cogentin and Artane) which inhibit the action of acetylcholine in the brain and treat abnormal muscle movements.

Physical Therapy

It is imperative that physical therapy be a key building block to any cerebral palsy treatment. It can strengthen and support muscle growth, improve general mobility, prevent joints from becoming too tightly contracted, and perhaps most importantly, bestow the child some sense of physical independence. Limbs can be exercised through forms of play with the therapist, family, and other children.

Special Devices

Casts, splints, and braces can help the a child with cerebral palsy cope with involuntary limb movements. Sometimes postural issues occur and various treatments exist for the ensuing scoliosis. Wheelchairs and scooters may also be helpful to the child.

Surgery:

In very rare cases, orthopedic surgery (for muscles and joints) may be warranted. In even rarer cases, selective posterior rhizotomy (surgically cutting the nerves of certain limbs) may be necessary to treat a variety of mobility issues.