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Cerebral palsy treatment largely depends on the type and pattern of the condition that is present in a given individual. Every case is unique, because cerebral palsy is a catch-all term for irreversible brain damage sustained before, during, or shortly after birth. It is important to note that, because cerebral palsy cannot be cured, the goal of treatment is to help patients function at the highest level possible. To achieve this goal, there are a number of different therapy approaches.
The primary cerebral palsy treatment in most cases is physical therapy. Children diagnosed with cerebral palsy should start working with a physical therapist as soon as possible. Physical therapy helps improve muscle development, movement, and balance. Physical therapists can help some children with play skills like running and throwing, depending on the severity of disability. Stretching exercises can help some patients avoid muscle contracture complications. Contractures can affect stability and balance, and may disrupt further physical therapy treatment.
Another common form of cerebral palsy treatment is speech therapy. Many individuals with CP have difficulties using the muscles needed to speak clearly. A speech therapist can work with children and assist them with developing language skills and controlling muscles of the mouth and jaw. This therapeutic cerebral palsy treatment may also improve eating abilities. A language therapist can creatively work with children who cannot talk, devising other ways to communicate, such as using sign language or an electronic device.
Cerebral palsy treatment frequently involves pharmaceuticals. Some of these medications are tranquilizers, which are used to relax tight muscles. Other medications are formulated to control spasms, convulsions, and seizures. Botulinum toxin, the bacteria used in BOTOX® Cosmetic, is being studied for use in cerebral palsy treatment. When injected into spastic muscles in minute amounts, this toxin partially paralyzes these muscles for several months.
Occupational therapy focuses on developing control of fine motor skills. Therapists work with patients to improve manipulation of the hands, fingers, feet, and toes. The goal of occupational cerebral palsy treatment is to help affected individuals with skills such as eating and dressing. Occupational therapy can also help some patients with writing, drawing, and other activities. An occupational therapist may also recommend equipment designed to assist individuals with cerebral palsy with everyday tasks.
Surgery is a cerebral palsy treatment that should be carefully considered before proceeding. For some children muscle tightness can cause contracture, the immobilization of a limb or joint. Contractures can result when muscles and tendons do not stretch as fast as bones grow. Physical therapy is usually tried first to stretch the muscles, but surgery may be used if stretching is ineffective. Surgery typically lengthens the muscles to allow greater freedom of movement. Surgery can also be performed to weaken muscles or to reduce nerve signals to spastic muscles.
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