Cerebral palsy can be commonly termed as brain paralysis. It is a condition relating to disorders of body movement, balance and posture. The major causes of cerebral palsy include abnormal development or damage to one or more parts of the brain, which may result in disorders in body movement, balance and posture. Cerebral palsy is detected in the early phase of life as the development of the infant is slowed.

The problems caused by cerebral palsy include muscle stiffness, poor muscle tone, uncontrolled movements, and problems with posture, balance, coordination, walking, speech, swallowing, mental retardation, seizures, breathing, learning disabilities, bladder and bowel control problems, skeletal deformities, eating difficulties, dental problems, digestive problems, hearing and vision problems, and many other related problems.

Cerebral palsy can be further divided into spastic (pyramidal), dyskinetic (extrapyramidal) and mixed. Spastic (pyramidal) includes muscle stiffness and jerky and awkward movements. Dyskinetic (extrapyramidal) includes coordination of movements and can be further divided into 2 sub-categories: athetoid and ataxic. The mixed type may include a mix of any of the above mentioned types.

There are different types of treatments for cerebral palsy, which are further discussed in this article. These are physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), speech-language pathology (S/L), physical, behavioural therapy, drug therapy, surgery and mechanical aids.

The physical therapy is aimed at helping the child develop strong muscles and help him in learning walk, sit and maintain his balance. The occupational therapy is aimed at developing fine motor skills of the child such as dressing, feeding, writing and other daily living tasks. The speech-language therapy is aimed at developing the communication skills of the child as he may have problems with his tongue muscles causing problems in speech.

Physical Therapy It is necessary to start physical therapy as soon as possible after the diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy is made. There is a definite daily plan of exercises which helps to prevent muscles from growing weak and atrophied. Generally, the growth rate of muscles and tendons is equal to the grow rate of bones. The muscles of patients with Cerebral Palsy can become fixed in stiff postures. Physical therapy along with unique braces helps to stop contracture by stretching spastic muscles. It can also help a child to improve his motor development. To get a child ready to go to school, the main focus of physical therapy steadily shifts toward activities related to a daily routine. Exercises are intended to develop the child’s ability to sit, move without help, and carry out tasks like dressing, writing and using the bathroom.

Then, there are physical, behavioural and other therapies for the treatment of cerebral palsy. All these technologies are used collaboratively to provide maximum support and care to the children with cerebral palsy, so that they can have better growth and development.

Psychotherapy Behavioural therapy is used in association with physical therapy for treatment of a patient with Cerebral Palsy. Encouragement, positive attitude and small rewards can give confidence to a child to learn to walk with weak limbs and get rid of speech difficulties. Mechanical Aids Different types of devices and mechanical aids can support patients with Cerebral Palsy to overcome physical problems. These devices and mechanical aids include Velcro shoe traps and motorized wheelchairs.

Find more aboutCerebral palsy here.

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