Treating Cerebral Palsy
Although no cure exists for cerebral palsy, several types of treatment include physical therapy, surgery, medication, and some new and holistic treatments.
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There are several types of treatment for cerebral palsy including physical therapy and surgery, medication, and some new and holistic treatments.
Physical Therapy & SurgeryIn many cases physical and/or occupational therapy many be of tremendous benefit and sometimes orthopedic surgery may be suggested:MedicationAntispasmodic drugs are commonly used in CP patients, as are anticonvulsant medications to prevent seizures:
Possible Treatment Side Effects
Not all patients are treated with the same drugs and every medication comes with the risk of side effects. The Mayo Clinic's site has answers to many frequently asked questions about side effects:Cerebral Palsy Treatment and Drugs
New TherapiesNew treatments for cerebral palsy are constantly being investigated, so it's important to keep up with the latest research. Learn about the research that's currently underway at this site from the National Institutes of Health:Cerebral Palsy: Hope Through Research - What Research is Being Done? Holistic Treatments The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke sums up the latest thinking on alternative approaches to CP in this page:Alternative TherapiesAcupuncture
Acupuncture has been used successfully to treat certain types of cerebral palsy and for the treatment of specific symptoms. Learn about this innovative approach here:A Serendipitous Treatment of Cerebral Palsy with TCM
Non-surgical Therapies
You have a wide range of options for treatment for this illness, depending on the type of cerebral palsy you or your child is suffering from and its severity. Learn about everything from speech therapy to Feldenkrais to craniosacral therapy to electrical stimulation and more at this site:Cerebral Institute of Discovery - Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Cerebral Palsy
Creating a support circle
Your child, like any child, needs to see a pediatrician for regular check-ups. He or she might also see other specialists in cerebral palsy depending on the type and severity of CP he or she has. Other health-care professionals you might work with include speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, hearing specialists, and others.
Bring a friend or family member with you to your appointments not only to provide support, but to lend an ear. They are likely to hear more clearly than you do, especially in early days after your child's diagnosis, everything your healthcare provider has to say and they may think of questions you didn't consider. Encourage your friend or family member to take notes during your doctor’s meeting.Don't be afraid to ask any questions you feel you need the answer to, even if you may be scared of the answer. Write down any questions you may have ahead of time and note the answers as your healthcare provider walks you through them. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification on anything.
Not all patients are treated with the same drugs and every medication comes with the risk of side effects. The Mayo Clinic's site has answers to many frequently asked questions about side effects:Cerebral Palsy Treatment and Drugs
New TherapiesNew treatments for cerebral palsy are constantly being investigated, so it's important to keep up with the latest research. Learn about the research that's currently underway at this site from the National Institutes of Health:Cerebral Palsy: Hope Through Research - What Research is Being Done? Holistic Treatments The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke sums up the latest thinking on alternative approaches to CP in this page:Alternative TherapiesAcupuncture
Acupuncture has been used successfully to treat certain types of cerebral palsy and for the treatment of specific symptoms. Learn about this innovative approach here:A Serendipitous Treatment of Cerebral Palsy with TCM
Non-surgical Therapies
You have a wide range of options for treatment for this illness, depending on the type of cerebral palsy you or your child is suffering from and its severity. Learn about everything from speech therapy to Feldenkrais to craniosacral therapy to electrical stimulation and more at this site:Cerebral Institute of Discovery - Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Cerebral Palsy
Creating a support circle
- Set up your TSC survivor profile.
- Join support groups of other survivors or set up your own.
- Interact and provide updates on your profile or our forums.
Your child, like any child, needs to see a pediatrician for regular check-ups. He or she might also see other specialists in cerebral palsy depending on the type and severity of CP he or she has. Other health-care professionals you might work with include speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, hearing specialists, and others.
- For a list of types of physicians and what they can do for you, follow this link: 4MyChild: Which Doctors and Specialists Can My Child See?
- Wrongdiagnosis.com: Doctors and Medical Specialists for Cerebral Palsy
- American Physical Therapy Association: Find a Physical Therapist (directory)
Bring a friend or family member with you to your appointments not only to provide support, but to lend an ear. They are likely to hear more clearly than you do, especially in early days after your child's diagnosis, everything your healthcare provider has to say and they may think of questions you didn't consider. Encourage your friend or family member to take notes during your doctor’s meeting.Don't be afraid to ask any questions you feel you need the answer to, even if you may be scared of the answer. Write down any questions you may have ahead of time and note the answers as your healthcare provider walks you through them. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification on anything.
