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Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects an individual’s balance, movement, and posture. It is caused by damage to the brain during pregnancy, childbirth, or early infancy.
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition, for which the affected individual needs support throughout life. With proper treatment, children with cerebral palsy can manage their symptoms, increase their independence, and lead fulfilling lives.
In this article, we will talk more about cerebral palsy, including its symptoms and how doctors treat it. We will also mention where in Farmington Hills, Michigan you can go for your child to receive comprehensive treatment for the condition.
Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
There are different types of cerebral palsy (CP), and the symptoms are very telling of what type of CP a child has. This neurological condition typically causes the following symptoms in varying degrees:
- Muscle stiffness or spasticity
- Abnormal posture
- Tremors or involuntary movements
- Problems with fine motor skills, such as writing or eating
- Difficulty with speech
- Difficulties with balance and coordination
Children with CP may also have seizures, intellectual disability, hearing loss, and vision problems. The severity of symptoms varies from child to child—some children only have mild impairments, while others are severely disabled.
How is Cerebral Palsy Treated?
Most children with cerebral palsy need some form of therapy to help maximize their abilities. As cerebral palsy can cause different symptoms, each treatment program is tailored to the individual and requires the services of a multi-specialty care team. Early intervention services are important for infants and toddlers with developmental delays. These services provide therapies aimed at helping children reach their full potential.
Comprehensive treatment for cerebral palsy may include medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, orthotics (braces), assistive devices such as walkers or wheelchairs, and/or surgery.
- Medication is used to relieve pain, relax the nerves and muscles, and control seizures
- Physical therapists help strengthen muscles and improve the range of motion
- Occupational therapy specialists teach your child ways to perform activities of daily living, such as eating or dressing
- Speech therapists can help with improving your child’s communication skills
- Surgery may be needed to correct skeletal deformities or release tight muscles
There is no single “best” treatment for all children with cerebral palsy. A neurologist can determine the best approach, which depends on your child’s individual needs. As your child gets older, they may need different kinds of treatments to continue to manage the condition, improve quality of life, and minimize disability. As such, CP treatment is typically lifelong and evolves from time to time to best suit the patient.
Cerebral Palsy Treatment in Farmington Hills, MI
At Associates in Neurology, our neurologists are highly trained and experienced in the treatment of patients with cerebral palsy. We will put together a team that will address every aspect of your child’s needs, with us at the center providing a range of treatments and coordinating their care.
Associates in Neurology provide comprehensive, long-term care that patients with cerebral palsy need. We are dedicated to your child’s care. To schedule an appointment with one of our neurologists, call our office today at (248) 478-5512 or use our convenient online request form.
