Treating Cerebral Palsy at Nationwide Children's

Even though there is no cure for cerebral palsy (CP), there are treatments that can improve the quality of life for people who have the condition. These treatments can help reduce the effects of CP. They also can help people learn ways of adapting to their movement difficulties. Children can have different types and degrees of CP, so treatment will vary for every child.

Outpatient therapy

The main form of treatment is outpatient therapy. Children who receive a CP diagnosis are usually referred for physical (gross motor skills), occupational (fine motor skills) and speech therapy as needed. The therapist can also address any feeding difficulties your child may have.

Surgery

Surgical treatment is another option. Selective dorsal rhizotomy, or SDR, is a surgery on the spine. It is done to help reduce spasticity. Spasticity is a condition that causes stiff, tight muscles. Most people who are good candidates for SDR surgery have spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Children with brain or spinal cord injuries may also be considered for surgery. Your child may be a good candidate for SDR if:

• They have some ability to walk — assisted or independently — but are limited by spasticity in the legs.
• They are not mobile and have spasticity affecting all four limbs that make daily care, such as dressing and diapering, difficult.

Therapy equipment

There is a variety of equipment that can help your child. Sometimes this equipment is needed for a short time as the child meets certain developmental milestones. Sometimes equipment or treatments are needed for the long term. Types of equipment include:

• Braces or AFOs – This type of brace provides extra support to the child’s foot to help with standing and walking. Some children will always use an AFO for extra balance and support. Some children only need it for a short time.
• Walkers and Wheelchairs – These types of equipment are helpful for children who need more support moving from one place to another. Walkers help children who have more serious balance difficulties and need more support than a brace can provide. Wheelchairs help children who cannot walk independently or who can walk but tire easily and need a wheelchair for longer distances.

There are also other types of splints and bracing that can help a child use their hands. Other treatments are available that can help improve the child’s muscle tone and lessen the effects of CP.

Talk with your child's health care specialist about the equipment and treatment options available. Remember that not all treatments are right for every child. Your child's specialist will work with your family to find the best treatment plan for your child’s needs.