Treatment Options for Cerebral Palsy

Although there is no cure for cerebral palsy, there are numerous options in the way of treatment. Treatment for cerebral palsy is focused on improving the physical and social quality of life for people with the condition and one helping to control or mitigate complications such as vision and hearing impairment, speech problems and seizures that are all associated with the condition.

Treatment of cerebral palsy may involve an entire team of medical professionals such as physical therapists, psychologists, pediatricians and other specialists who can devise a plan of care tailored to the unique needs of the patient. Depending on the severity of the child’s condition, cerebral palsy treatment may include:

•    Physical therapy – Perhaps the most important of all cerebral palsy treatments, physical therapy involves exercising and training the muscles to enhance strength and motor control. Orthotic devices such as special braces are frequently used alongside physical therapy to help stretch muscles and prevent complications such as contracture, which limits joint movements.

•     Speech and language therapy – Some children with cerebral palsy will benefit from speech therapy, which helps children to overcome communication difficulties or develop other modes of communication.

•    Occupational therapy – This cerebral palsy treatment is aimed at developing the skills required for day-to-day living. Self-care skills such as bathing and feeding, for instance, could be addressed in occupational therapy sessions. In some cases, occupational therapy can help children use special equipment that will help them in school or other aspects of their lives.

•    Medications/drug therapy – Medications are often used to minimize muscle spasms and tremors in patients with cerebral palsy. Botox, for example, is commonly used to control muscle spasticity and relax muscles. Other drug therapies may help treat complications, such as seizures, that are associated with cerebral palsy.

•    Surgery – Surgical procedures may be helpful in decreasing spasticity, improving muscle tone, stabilizing joints, and enhancing a child’s ability to sit, stand, or walk. Surgery may also be used to insert feeding tubes and control reflux.

•    Hearing aids, eyeglasses or eye surgery – These cerebral palsy treatments can help children who have hearing or vision impairments related to their condition.

•    Assistive technologies – New technologies are always being developed to help individuals with disabilities. Specialized wheel chairs, customized scooters and communication devices are all examples of assistive technologies that can help children with tasks in their everyday lives that they may, otherwise, not be able to perform.

•    Alternative cerebral palsy treatments – Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), space suit therapy, hippotherapy, dolphin therapy and conductive education are some alternative cerebral palsy treatments that have shown promise in recent years.

•    Clinical trials – The government conducts clinical trials to try and develop new cerebral palsy treatments and determine the efficacy of existing treatments.

The Cost of Cerebral Palsy Treatment

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition and treatments over the course of an individual’s life may total more than $500,000. The financial burden can all the more overwhelming when insurance doesn’t cover all the treatment costs or the family is uninsured.

Families have legal rights and may be entitled to compensation to help cover treatment costs and other related expenes if the cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice. If you believe your child’s cerebral palsy could have been prevented, contact an experienced medical attorney right away.

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