Can Cerebral Palsy be Cured?

Cerebral palsy is one of the most common disorder in the nation. With promising ongoing research, scientists are hopeful that a cure for the disorder will one day be found. In the meantime, however, many parents are still faced with hearing the devastating words from medical practitioners that their child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, followed with the news that there is currently no cure. While the pain of such news is undoubtedly unbearable, there is currently a myriad of treatment options available to assist children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. By managing their disorder with therapy and aids, individuals with cerebral palsy often go on to lead engaged and fulfilling lives.

Cerebral palsy is arguably one of the most complicated medical conditions. The diagnosis of cerebral palsy refers to a group of medical disorders that limit a person’s ability to move and balance. The short answer to why there is no cure for cerebral palsy is that researchers simply do not know enough about the brain to develop a cure. Subsequently, it is widely held throughout the medical community that avoiding risk factors before conception, during pregnancy, as well as during labor, delivery and after birth, helps to prevent a child from developing cerebral palsy.

It is highly advised that women carefully choose competent, skilled, and credentialed personnel to assist in the birthing process. In addition, it is important to select a respectable health care facility if planning to have a hospital birth. These safety precautions help to limit possible human error, system error, or medical malpractice.

Every case of cerebral palsy is unique. Doctors often classify cerebral palsy according to the type of motor skills that have been negatively affected. Depending on which area of the brain was damaged, those with cerebral palsy might experience one or more of the following movement disorders:

• Stiff muscles (spasticity)
• Uncontrollable movements (dyskinesia)
• Poor coordination and balance (ataxia)

Spastic cerebral palsy affects about 80% of people who receive a cerebral palsy diagnosis. People with spastic cerebral palsy have high muscle tone, meaning, their muscles are often still and tight. Doctors further categorize cerebral palsy based on which body parts are negatively affected, for example:

• Spastic diplegia or diparesis is a type of cerebral palsy that mainly affects the legs, not the arms. People with spastic diplegia might have difficulty walking because their muscles can cause their legs to pull together, cross at the knees, or turn inward
• Spastic hemiplegia only affects one side of a person’s body. Typically, the person’s arm is more affected than the leg
• Spastic quadriplegia/quadriparesis is the most severe form of spastic cerebral palsy and it affects all four limbs, the face, and the trunk. People with spastic quadriparesis often cannot walk and they might have seizures or other medical and developmental problems.

After learning that there is no cure for cerebral palsy, many parents are understandably upset. However, there is a wide range of treatments that can greatly improve the lives of children with cerebral palsy. Each case of cerebral palsy is unique and affects a person uniquely. In other words, every child will have a unique set of conditions and symptoms.

Your child will probably need to be evaluated by medical specialists from multiple disciplines. These experts will evaluate your child’s cerebral palsy and determine which areas he or she needs assistance. They will work together to improve outcomes for children with cerebral palsy. With early intervention and treatment, treatment can help your child manage his or her symptoms effectively. The following therapies often help children with cerebral palsy extensively;

• Pediatricians are medical doctors who can help treat your child and secure referrals for experts.
• Physical therapists will work with your child to attain physical goals and rehabilitate their muscles.
• A neurologist will be able to diagnose brain and nervous system disorders.
• An occupational therapist can help your child learn how to participate in daily tasks and activities. Occupational therapists help patients use assistive devices and learn more efficiently at school.
• An orthopedic surgeon is certified to conduct interventions for cerebral palsy patients. They treat abnormalities that could affect the limb and spine.
• A speech pathologist will help your child with speech and eating. Many children with cerebral palsy have abnormal muscle tone in their mouths, making these activities challenging.

If your child has cerebral palsy and your doctor’s negligence contributed to the condition, our legal team at Arnold & Smith, PLLC can help. Contact us as soon as possible to schedule your initial consultation to learn how we can help you. Call our office at (704) 370-2828 to evaluate your options or fill out our contact form. Now taking cases throughout North Carolina with offices in Uptown Charlotte, Mooresville, and Monroe.