Cerebral Palsy Treatment

There is no cerebral palsy treatment that can undo the damage caused as a result of irreversible injury to the brain which may result in serious and difficult medical, social and educational challenges. Treatment may include different therapeutic approaches to help better manage and control the potential physical and mental disability. Physical therapy, drug therapy or surgery may be implemented as part of the treatment depending on an individual's needs.

Physical therapy is an important treatment and is usually started soon after a diagnosis of cerebral palsy is made, usually in the early years of a child’s life. Physical therapy is used to prevent contracture complications by stretching the affected muscles, and is also used in certain situations to improve motor development. Specific physical exercises help to keep the muscles from becoming weakened and from deteriorating due to lack of use. Patients can experience muscle contractures when muscles become fixed in a rigid and abnormal position. Treatment may include behaviour therapy involving psychological techniques to complement physical, speech or occupational therapy and can also help to improve quality of life.

Exercises can help to avoid contractures which is one of the most serious and unpleasant as well as common, complications. Contractures can disrupt previous achievements and affect balance and stability. When muscles and tendons are prevented from stretching and do not grow fast enough to keep up with lengthening bones, it is called spasticity.

Cerebral palsy treatment includes the use of a wide range of medications. Tranquilisers may be used to relax tightened muscles and antispasmodics may be used to reduce spasms. Seizures can be treated with an anticonvulsant medication. Patients with athetoid CP are sometimes prescribed medication to reduce the abnormal movements that they experience. Some people affected by cerebral palsy may have some other conditions that can also be improved with the medication. These types of medication have been shown to be effective only in the short-term.

Some contractures can to be so severe that it causes problems in movement and surgery can in appropriate cases be used to lengthen the shortened muscle. Surgical techniques are being researched on a continual basis to determine the overall effectiveness. Surgery may be used as part of cerebral palsy treatment in order to reduce the amount of nervous stimulation that can reach the muscles.

We are a network of specialist solicitors offering free legal advice on medical negligence claims and whilst compensation cannot repair the damage that has been done it can make life easier and more comfortable. Legal aid is available for medical negligence claims and most children will qualify. Only the child's income and assets are taken into consideration when assessing financial eligibility. Most children will be granted full legal aid with no financial contribution from the parents even though the parents may have substantial income and assets.

If you believe that your child's injury was caused by medical negligence and you would like free advice from an experienced birth injury solicitor then just complete the cerebral palsy treatment report form and a member of The Law Society panel of medical negligence experts we will telephone you to discuss your child's claim.

• American Cerebral Palsy Information Center
• Cerebral Palsy Association Canada
• United Cerebral Palsy
• Cerebral Palsy Sport
• Cerebral Palsy Resources on the Internet