Cerebral Palsy (cont.)Medical Author:
Norberto Alvarez, MD
Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. In this Article
 How is cerebral palsy treated?
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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 an occupational therapist. Each member of the team has important, independent contributions to make in the care of the affected child.
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. Reviewed by William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR on 7/2/2012 Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Cerebral Palsy - Treatment and Therapy
Question: What kinds of treatment and therapy has your child received for cerebral palsy?
Cerebral Palsy - Other Conditions
Question: What other conditions do you or a relative have in addition to cerebral palsy? Please share your story.
Cerebral Palsy - Share Your Experience
Question: Do you, a relative, or friend have cerebral palsy? Please describe your experience.
Cerebral Palsy - Symptoms
Question: What are the main symptoms associated with cerebral palsy in you or a relative?
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