How to Treat Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that affects the way a person's body moves and their muscle coordination. The typical cause of cerebral palsy is damage to one or more areas of the brain, which can occur during gestation or during infancy. There is no available cure for cerebral palsy yet, but there are ways of treating it.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Visit a physical therapist. Physical therapists can improve the way people use their muscles and move their bodies. They can help children learn to walk, maneuver a wheelchair and other tasks, such as kicking a ball. It's best to begin physical therapy as soon as a cerebral palsy diagnosis is obtained.

2. Use an occupational therapist for assistance with learning everyday tasks. An occupational therapist works more with the small muscles of the body, such as those used to brush teeth and use utensils, versus the large muscles a physical therapist focuses on.

3. Hire a speech and language therapist. This type of therapist can really work with a person to improve their speech. In the case of a person who can not speak due to the disease, the therapist can work with them to use alternative methods of speech.

4. Consider surgery. Surgery does not have to be a necessary step, but in some cases, it can be beneficial. One example of surgery is correcting a tight heel cord. Children with cerebral palsy tend to walk on their toes and if the heel cord is indeed tight, a surgeon might be able to correct it.

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