Cerebral Palsy (cont.)
How is cerebral palsy treated?
Most of the causes of cerebral palsy do not have specific, curative treatments. However,
children with cerebral palsy present many medical problems that can be treated or prevented.
The initial stage of treatment involves an interdisciplinary team, consisting of
a pediatrician, preferable one with experience in neurodevelopmental disorders,
a neurologist (or other neurological practitioner), a mental health
practitioner, an orthopedic surgeon, a physical therapist, a speech therapist,
and a occupational therapist. Each member of the team has important, independent
contributions to make in the care of the affected child.
- The physical therapist
evaluates muscle tone, strength and gait (walking).
- The occupational therapist
reviews the child's ability to perform tasks of self-help and care -- from
feeding to manual dexterity.
- The speech therapist evaluates the child's ability
to speak and understand speech.
Most children with neurological impairment have
significant emotional distress and also require therapy from a mental health
practitioner.
Virtually all states have federally-mandated programs for the assessment and
treatment of children with cerebral palsy and other developmental conditions. In many
states, these programs are termed "Regional Centers" and can be found in local
phone books. Also Children's Hospitals usually have special clinics with
experience with children with cerebral palsy. Furthermore, when a child reaches the age of 3
years, the school district may become formally involved in the review of at-risk
children. These programs protect children up to the age of 21 years.
At the present time there is a vacuum in the provision of medical care for
adults (young and old) with cerebral palsy living in the community settings. There are a
limited number of services in adult hospitals geared to the treatment of adults
with cerebral palsy or developmental disabilities.
Next: What are specific treatment plans for cerebral palsy? »
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