When it comes to treating cerebral palsy, a multidisciplinary team of health care specialists is often needed. Caregivers, families and teachers alike are needed for support when it boils down to planning and deciding on which treatment is the best for the patient. The multidisciplinary team includes a physician, neurologist and therapists.
When thinking about cerebral palsy cures, physical therapy should be considered. In this case a physical therapist aims at helping the development of large muscles in the body, which include those in the arms, legs and abdomen. This means that a patient can learn how to move and balance on his or her own. Physical therapists often make activities fun while teaching their patients. Activities such as running, throwing, kicking and riding a bike are often incorporated into therapy. Physical therapy helps prevent muskuloskeletal problems.
Counseling can also be useful as a complementary to physical therapy. Not every patient with cerebral palsy go through the same situations. Psychologists can help more than just the physical state of the patient. They can improve the patient’s self-image, relieve worries, and help him or her cope with personal problems. Working with all these issues help the patient’s overall well being and live a normal, happy life. The three types of therapy that may be applied are humanistic, psycho-dynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies. Counseling is probably one of the best additions to other cerebral palsy cures.
Another one of the most important cerebral palsy cures is speech and language therapy. Patients with cerebral palsy are most likely to have speech difficulties, as these are just some of the common symptoms of the disorder. This is why it is essential that speech and language therapy be applied, especially when the patient is still young.
Speech and language therapy can help patients communicate with others clearly and without concerning so much over how the communication goes. Therapists will often focus on problems with speech, comprehending written and/or spoken language and utilizing language in general. Speech and language therapists are also trained to treat eating and drinking problems commonly associated with patients who have cerebral palsy.
Finally, sometimes drugs are administered to treat cerebral palsy symptoms, especially spasticity. The 3 medications commonly used are diazepam, baclofen and dantrolene. Diazepam aims at relaxing the brain and body, baclofen prevents the contraction of muscles and dantrolene obstructs the process of contraction in the muscles. Drugs are often used as short-term medication to reduce spasticity.
As you can see there are many cerebral palsy cures that can treat the condition. Cerebral palsy is not a deadly condition and in fact many individuals who learn to manage it lead successful lives. These cures may not be permanent, but they can be used to maintain a life free of symptoms from cerebral palsy.
Cerebral Palsy Therapy Tip #1
Get Help – Taking care of someone with cerebral palsy is a lot of hard work. Occasionally you have to take a break and spend some time alone. Ask family and friends for help and teach them how to do what you do so you can get away for a while.
Cerebral Palsy Therapy Tip #2
Stay Positive – Cerebral palsy is not a disease and will not get progressively worse. Accepting the condition for what it is and keeping a positive outlook will make life easier for you and the person you are caring for.