About Medication for Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy affects more than 800,000 Americans. Those who have the disorder often suffer from muscle spasms and seizures, as well as fine motor skill impairment. While there is not yet a cure for cerebral palsy, there are medications that can relieve the problems stemming from this disorder.

Significance

Most of the people who are diagnosed with cerebral palsy suffer from spasticity, a condition that causes their muscles to become stiff or rigid. When the muscles tighten, the patient is unable to perform daily activities such as sitting, walking, swallowing and speaking. If spasticity goes untreated, it can lead to a contracture, a condition causing the muscle to shorten and remain in a fixed, usually bent, position. Seizures have also accompanied a cerebral palsy diagnosis because of the brain damage that has taken place. While these conditions may not be curable, they are manageable with prescription medications.

Function

Both oral and injectable medications are used in the treatment of cerebral palsy, helping relieve the effects of the disorder. The treatment and dosage will vary from patient to patient, as the symptoms and their severity will differ with each person. Antispasmodics are used in the treatment of muscle spasms. They relax the muscles, helping relieve the pain associated with a spasm, and prevent contractures. These are prescribed as either an oral or injectable treatment. Anticonvulsant medications are used in the treatment of seizures and epilepsy, a condition that causes chronic seizures. They work by slowing the activity of the brain, preventing abnormal activity from taking place. Anticonvulsants also help repair the damaged brain tissue that is responsible for the seizures.

Types

Diazepam, Dantrolene and baclofen are the three most commonly prescribed oral antispasmodics. Diazepam is also known as Valium, and it helps relax the muscles, alleviating and/or preventing spasms. While it is most commonly prescribed as an oral medication, it can also be administered rectally for those who cannot swallow. Dantrolene works by preventing the muscles from tightening and contracting, while assisting in the pain relief caused by muscle spasms. It is only available in oral form. Baclofen is also a muscle relaxant that is prescribed orally, however there is the option of surgically placing a small pump under the abdominal skin. This pump then releases doses of liquid baclofen around the spinal cord. Botox is an injectable treatment and is inserted directly into the muscle suffering from the spasms. Its purpose is to relax the muscles so physical therapy will be more effective. Alcohol washes are another injectable treatment in which the needle is inserted directly into a muscle that has shortened due to spasms. It is a treatment whose purpose is to lengthen the muscle with the use of casts or braces so that corrective surgery can be avoided. Anticonvulsants that are commonly prescribed include Dilantin, which can be given orally or in liquid form, and Zarontin, also given in an oral or liquid form. These medications help reduce or eliminate the occurrence of seizures.

Time Frame

The use of oral antispasmodics in the treatment of cerebral palsy offers only short-term results and does not completely solve or relieve the spasms. They are capable of providing temporary relaxation of the muscles, and if used for a longer period of time, become ineffective. The Botox injection will begin working after three days, but the effects of the treatment are not fully noticeable for one or two weeks. Its effects last for four to eight months. The alcohol wash, however, has an immediate effect, but only lasts for three to six months. The length of effectiveness of anticonvulsants depends on the person's condition, however once a patient is placed on the correct anticonvulsant, the results can last for years.

Warning

It is vital to know what possible side effects there are for the medications used in the treatment of cerebral palsy. Dantrolene carries with it the possibility of liver damage, resulting in hepatitis and jaundice. It can also cause diarrhea and drowsiness. Diazepam can cause confusion, headaches and depression, while baclofen can cause nausea, muscle weakness and light headedness. Botox can cause muscle aches and headaches after the injection is given. Finally, Dilantin and Zarontin both cause drowsiness and dizziness. If any of these side effects occur and do not go away on their own, consult your physician.

Resources

• Official site of United Cerebral Palsy, offering support and information