Spastic Cerebral Palsy Treatment

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By Zachary Kaplan
eHow Contributing Writer

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Cerebral palsy is the general term utilized to describe brain damage that alters motor coordination. Brain damage can occur prior, during or after birth, and the location determines specifically how the individual is effected. The most common type of cerebral palsy is spastic cerebral palsy, which is the result of brain damage occurring to the cerebral cortex or outer layer of the brain. The varying degrees of spastic cerebral palsy are dependent upon the severity of the brain damage. The condition can affect one side of the body, the legs, arms or the entire body.

Condition

Spastic cerebral palsy occurs when brain-to-nerve-to-muscle communication is impaired. In individuals without spastic cerebral palsy, the muscles of the body work in pairs, whereby one pair contracts and the other pair relaxes leading to normal movement. In those with spastic cerebral palsy, the disruption of the signals from the brain to the nerves to the muscles results in these pairs not working in tandem, therefore creating awkward movement. The body's muscles are actually fighting each other and blocking normal movement.

Progression

Spastic cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage and even if more brain damage does not occur, the condition can worsen. The stiffness of the muscles coupled with the increased muscle tone may lead to a lack of range of motion. Overexertion and anxiety from difficulty with movement may increase spasticity over time. In children, spastic cerebral palsy has long-term effects, as it may cause deformities, growth issues, lack muscle development and range of motion. The condition affects normal development of muscle growth and movement.

Types

There are five types of spastic cerebral palsy depending on the parts of the body that are affected. The rarest are Monoplegia (one limb is affected) and Triplegia (three limbs are affected). Quadriplegia affects all the limbs and the torso and Hemiplegia affects one side of the body. The most common is Diplegia which affects two limbs, primarily the lower limbs.

Oral Treatment

Depending on the degree of the symptoms, Valium and baclofen have been utilized in an attempt to lessen spasticity. The general consensus is that this method is not effective in those whose symptoms are significant. However, a baclofen infusion has been found effective in most cases. This treatment is relatively new and involves baclofen distribution to all the muscles through the abdomen. The risks with baclofen infusion include overdose and meningitis. The long-term effects are unknown and spasticity returns once the treatment has ceased.

Botox Treatment

Botox injected into the spastic muscles weakens the muscle groups and decreases spasticity. Each injection lasts approximately three to four months and has minimal side effects.

Surgery

Surgery has been implemented to lengthen the tendons in order to increase range of motion. Surgery does not decrease spasticity, but it decreases the effects of spasticity on the individual with spastic cerebral palsy.