Cerebral palsy (also known as CP) is a disorder that typically manifests during the first few years of a patient's life. Cerebral palsy affect's a child's ability to coordinate movements and can cause muscles that are either abnormally stiff and rigid or limp and floppy. It is caused by injuries to the brain early in its development. Cerebral palsy cannot be cured, but treatment can help relieve the symptoms.
Step 1
Get physical, occupational and speech therapy. Physical therapy helps with strength, flexibility and coordination to help with the child's development and mobility. Physical therapy may involve fitting the child for braces or splints. Occupational therapy will teach children how to do common activities such as eating and dressing themselves. Speech therapy helps children learn how to communicate, either verbally, using sign language or via special communication devices, such as a board with pictures.
Step 2
Take muscle relaxants. These medications include diazepam, dantrolene and baclofen, and they are taken orally. They can be used to help relieve muscle stiffness and spasticity.
Step 3
Take botulinum toxin injections. Botulinum toxin (also known as Botox) works to paralyze muscles. You can inject this substance directly into spastic muscles to relax them.
Step 4
Utilize surgical treatments. Some children with cerebral palsy will need orthopedic surgery on their joints, tendons and bones to make sure that their limbs are in the right position. Surgery can also be used to sever the nerves that connect to spastic muscles, causing them to relax.
