Cerebral palsy has so cure but there are numerous options for treatment. The purpose of cerebral palsy treatment is to improve quality of life both physically and socially as well as control or mitigate associated complications such as seizures, speech problems, and hearing and vision impairment.
Treatment of cerebral palsy may involve an entire team of medical professionals such as physical therapists, psychologists, pediatricians and other specialists who can devise a plan of care tailored to the unique needs of the patient. Depending on the severity of the child’s condition, cerebral palsy treatment may include:
• Physical therapy – Perhaps the most important of all cerebral palsy treatments, physical therapy involves exercising and training the muscles to enhance strength and motor control. Orthodic devices used alongside physical therapy help to stretch muscles and prevent complications which limit joint movement, such as contracture.
• Speech and language therapy – Some children with cerebral palsy will benefit from speech therapy, which helps children to overcome communication difficulties or develop other modes of communication.
• Occupational therapy – This cerebral palsy treatment is aimed at developing the skills required for day-to-day living. Bathing and feeding as well as other self-care skills are often addressed during occupational therapy. In some cases, occupational therapy can help children use special equipment that will help them in school or other aspects of their lives.
• Medications/drug therapy – Medications are often used to minimize muscle spasms and tremors in patients with cerebral palsy. Botox, for example, is used in cerebral palsy treatments to relax muscles and control
• Surgery – Surgical procedures may be helpful in decreasing spasticity, improving muscle tone, stabilizing joints, and enhancing a child’s ability to sit, stand, or walk. Surgery may also be used to insert feeding tubes and control reflux.
• Hearing aids, eyeglasses or eye surgery – These cerebral palsy treatments can help children who have hearing or vision impairments related to their condition.
• Assistive technologies – New technologies are always being developed to help individuals with disabilities. Assistive technologies aid children in their daily lives with tasks that tehy may not be able to perform without specialized whellchairs, customized scooters and communication devices.
• Alternative cerebral palsy treatments – Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), space suit therapy, hippotherapy, dolphin therapy and conductive education are some alternative cerebral palsy treatments that have shown promise in recent years.
• Clinical trials – The government conducts clinical trials to try and develop new cerebral palsy treatments and determine the efficacy of existing treatments.
The Cost of Cerebral Palsy Treatment
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition and treatments over the course of an individual’s life may total more than $500,000. Insurance may not cover all cerebral palsy treatment costs, and for those who are uninsured, the financial burden is all the more overwhelming.
Families have legal rights and may be entitled to compensation to help cover treatment costs and other related expenes if the cerebral palsy was caused by medical malpractice. If you believe your child’s cerebral palsy could have been prevented, contact an experienced medical attorney right away.
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