Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

By Josie Minegan

Children are affected by cerebral palsy for unknown reasons and unfortunately, there is no cure for it. The medical field does however; provide treatment for patients dealing with cerebral palsy. There are different cerebral palsy treatments that are offered and depending on the patients characteristics it is then decide which therapies would be best.

Treatment can help a child improve muscle control and movement. Other treatments focus on problems with vision or hearing. They may also assist when seizures are a problem. A team of medical professionals will consider the child's needs and create a suitable plan. Tests are run and observations made to help in the determination of what will be in the best interest of the child. Treatment options available are:

Physical therapy - Physical therapy involves exercising and training the muscles to enhance strength and motor control. This is perhaps the most important of all cerebral palsy treatments. Orthotic devices such as special braces may be used to help stretch muscles and prevent complications which limits joint movements.

Speech therapy - Speech therapy helps children overcome communication difficulties or develop other modes of communication.

Occupational therapy - This treatment is to assist patients with this in their everyday living. This includes household duties and work duties.

Medication - There are medications for cerebral palsy patients that will help relax their muscles. Patients deal with muscle spasms and medications such as Botox will help those problems.

Surgery - There are times when therapies just don't help. In these situations surgery may be an option for the patient. Surgeries can help decrease spasticity and improve muscle tone.

Hearing aids, eyeglasses - Visions and hearing impairments are commonly seen among cerebral palsy patients. These treatments can help the patients improve their hearing and vision.

Assistive technologies - New technologies are always being developed to help individuals with disabilities. Assistive technologies such as specialized wheelchairs, customized scooters, and communication devices can aid cerebral palsy children in their daily lives and with tasks they may not otherwise be able to perform.

Other CP 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 - Medical professional will conduct clinical trials to be able to try to develop new treatments for children with cerebral palsy.

The Lifelong Expense of Cerebral Palsy Treatment

Since there is no cure for cerebral palsy, families need to be prepared for the finances that will be spent through their child's lifetime. The cost of treatments will exceed $500,000. Insurance companies may not always cover the treatment costs and for the families that do not have insurance, the financial cost is overwhelming.

About the Author:

No comments: