Cerebral Palsy Treatment Options
There is no cure for cerebral palsy but there is a variety of treatment options. Improving the quality of life, both physically and socially, is the purpose of cerebral palsy treatments as well as helping to control or mitigate such associated comlications as hear and vision impairment, speech problems and seizures.
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. Occupational therapy, in some cases helps children through the use of special equipment that helps them in school and other parts of their lives.
• Medications/drug therapy – Medications are often used to minimize muscle spasms and tremors in patients with cerebral palsy. For example, Botox is an injectable medication commonly used to relax muscles and control muscle spasticity. Drug therapies may help treat seizures, a complication 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. Inserting feeding tubes and controlling reflus are other reasons for surgery.
• 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. Insurance may not cover all cerebral palsy treatment costs, and for those who are uninsured, the financial burden is all the more overwhelming.
When the child's condition was the result of medical malpractice, the family may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and treatment costs. If you believe your child’s cerebral palsy could have been prevented, contact an experienced medical attorney right away.
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