Cerebral palsy - Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis:

• Signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy can become more apparent over time, often not diagnosed until a few months to a year after birth.
• Diagnosis involves evaluating the child's signs and symptoms, monitoring growth and development, reviewing medical history, and conducting a physical exam.
• Specialists such as pediatric neurologists, pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, and child developmental specialists may be involved.
• Brain scans, including MRI and cranial ultrasound, can reveal areas of damage or abnormal development in the brain.
• An Electroencephalogram (EEG) can evaluate conditions like seizures.
• Laboratory tests may be used to screen for genetic or metabolic problems.
• Additional tests can identify associated conditions like vision, hearing, speech, intellect, development, movement, and other medical issues.
• The type of cerebral palsy is determined by the main movement disorder experienced. The most common type is spastic cerebral palsy.

Treatment:

• Cerebral palsy may require lifelong care involving a medical team, including therapists and mental health specialists.
• There is no cure, but treatments can improve daily functioning. Early intervention is crucial.
• Treatment options include medications, therapies, surgical procedures, and other treatments.
• Medications can lessen muscle tightness, treat pain, and manage complications. This includes muscle or nerve injections, oral muscle relaxants, and medications to reduce drooling.
• Therapies play a vital role in treatment:
  • Physical therapy: Focuses on muscle training, exercises, and daily care needs.
  • Occupational therapy: Helps gain independence in daily activities.
  • Speech and language therapy: Improves speech clarity, communication, eating, and swallowing.
  • Recreational therapy: Enhances motor skills, speech, and emotional well-being.
• Surgical procedures can lessen muscle tightness or correct bone abnormalities. This includes orthopedic surgery and cutting nerve fibers (selective dorsal rhizotomy).
• Other treatments may be recommended for seizures, pain, osteoporosis, mental health conditions, and other issues.

Adults with Cerebral Palsy:

• As children with cerebral palsy become adults, their health care needs change. This includes addressing health needs, planning for lifestyle needs, and managing conditions more common in adults with cerebral palsy.

Alternative Medicine:

• Some children and adolescents with cerebral palsy explore complementary or alternative medicine. It's essential to discuss potential risks and benefits with a doctor.

Coping and Support:

• Encourage the child's independence and participation in societal activities.
• Parents should advocate for their child and seek support groups, organizations, and counseling services.
• Early intervention and special education services are available for children under 21 years of age.