Cerebral palsy treatment
Cerebral palsy is a general term referring to a group of non-progressive disorders characterised by impairment of movement or loss of other nerve functions causing disability.
Treatment for cerebral palsy
In cases of brain injury caused by birth asphyxia steps can be taken immediately after the delivery to try to prevent or decrease permanent brain injury. Many specialist centres now offer medically controlled cooling of the baby’s brain immediately after delivery. This is thought to increase the chances of the baby surviving uninjured.
Unfortunately once a brain injury is established there is no way of reversing it and medical input is focused on controlling and treating medical symptoms. These can vary significantly depending on the nature and severity of the brain injury.
For symptoms of movement disorder such as spasticity, treatments include physiotherapy, botulinum toxin therapy and intrathecal baclofen. These are intended to reduce the increased muscle tone and jerky movements associated with spasticity in order to decrease discomfort and make daily activities easier. They can also reduce the long term problems such as joint contractures and hip dislocation.
Children with cerebral palsy often benefit from speech therapy input which can improve not only speech but control of the muscles around the mouth which are used in eating and drinking.
If feeding difficulties are significant and drug therapy is ineffective surgery can be of assistance. Nissen fundoplication is an operation performed to decrease reflux. Sometimes, if the patient is unable to take in enough calories orally, gastrostomy is necessary to allow tube feeding.
Please download our cerebral palsy guide for individuals and families.
Making a cerebral palsy claim
For free, expert advice on making a cerebral palsy claim contact us free on 0800 0382 382. If you want to provide some details to us in advance, why not let us assess your claim now.
