What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a physical disability that affects movement and posture. CP refers to a group of disorders affecting a person’s ability to move. It is a permanent life-long condition, but generally does not worsen over time. It is due to damage to the developing brain either during pregnancy or shortly after birth
Cerebral palsy affects people in different ways and can affect body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance.
People who have cerebral palsy may also have visual, learning, hearing, speech, epilepsy and intellectual impairments.
Cerebral Palsy Treatment
A variety of treatments can help people who have CP to make the most of their abilities and physical strength, prevent complications, and improve their quality of life.
Specific treatment varies by individual and changes as needed if new issues develop. In general, treatment focuses on ways to maintain or improve a person’s quality of life and overall health.
Regular visits with your pain physician are important for monitoring your child’s condition.
Treatment for CP includes:
Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is an important part of managing CP. It usually starts soon after diagnosis. It may begin earlier, depending on the symptoms. Some people with CP continue physiotherapy throughout their lives, especially those with severe physical disabilities.
The goals of physiotherapy are to:
- Foster independence by improving functional mobility
- Strengthen and encourage the growth of muscles.
- Improve the ability to move all parts of the body
- Prevent joints from becoming tight or permanently bent (contracted)