Cerebral Palsy Physical Therapy: How to lead a normal life.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy refers to a group of neurological disorders that affect the brain’s normal abilities to effectively communicate with the muscles. The damage to the brain can occur in the mother’s womb, during or after the delivery. It is a life-long condition that leads to poor coordination, low muscle tone, loss of control over muscles and motor dysfunction.

Causes

Cerebral palsy is mainly caused due to extensive brain damage. This could occur due to certain complications during childbirth. Other health problems such as diabetes, menopause, meningitis, encephalitis and hypothyroidism also cause cerebral palsy. Premature babies face a higher risk of getting this disease. Conditions such as asphyxia, hypoxia and intraventricular bleeding are also potential causative factors. Cerebral palsy is not hereditary.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A variety of symptoms in the child lead the doctor to diagnose the disorder. Certain indications are lethargy, involuntary movements, abnormal reflexes, low muscle tone, paralysis and learning disabilities. Infants with cerebral palsy have limited motor skills and take longer time to perform simple tasks. They also take longer time to reach normal developmental milestones such as rolling over, sitting up and walking.
Individual treatment programs differ widely as no two children have the same type of cerebral palsy. There are drugs available for preventing seizures. Medical research has led to better understanding, diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Therapy programs enable children to develop confidence and motor skills improve over a period of time.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy helps in the development of the large muscles in the body such as those in the legs, abdomen and hands. This therapy helps children learn to balance and move well. Physical therapy is started in the first few years of life, immediately after the diagnosis of the disease. It involves special exercises that help in the strengthening of various muscles. It can also include fun activities such as running, playing and riding the bike. Children can learn to walk without support and stand by themselves. This therapy enables the child to eat, dress and move independently. Braces and walkers help in better positioning and control of the limbs.

Therapy requires enormous time commitment. It is thus advisable that the parents and caretakers also get actively involved in it. It is of foremost importance to build up the child’s self-esteem.

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