Treatment for Cerebral Palsy in Charlotte

Learning that your child has received a diagnosis of cerebral palsy can be devastating. Many parents who learn that their child has cerebral palsy feel a sense of helplessness because there is no cure for cerebral palsy. While there is no cure, there are many different treatments and therapies that can help your child with cerebral palsy grow and learn.

Treatment for cerebral palsy is always the most effective when the cerebral palsy has been diagnosed early on. When doctors diagnose the cerebral palsy early, your child’s care team can create a treatment plan that will address your child’s specific needs. Many times, they will need medical treatment as well as physical and occupational therapy.

If your child has received a cerebral palsy diagnosis, you will likely meet with a doctor who is in charge of your child’s treatment plan. Typically, your child will undergo an evaluation with a physical therapist, speech therapist, and occupational therapist. They will evaluate your child to discover which areas your child struggles with the most.

Each member of the team will communicate with the other members, so they are all on the same page. Each team will depend on your child’s needs. For example, some children with cerebral palsy may not have any problems with eating. Other children might need speech therapy so they can focus on food and texture issues. A cerebral palsy treatment team often includes some or all of the following experts:

• Physical therapists - physical therapists help kids with cerebral palsy gain more function in their motor skills. They can also help children with cerebral palsy strengthen muscles that have atrophied and stretch muscles that have become too tight or spastic.
• Speech therapists - many children who have a cerebral palsy diagnosis need speech therapy. Sometimes the muscles in their mouths are too tight to speak. Speech therapists used play-based learning to assist children in forming words, eating, and communicating.
• Social worker - a cerebral palsy diagnosis affects the entire family. Social workers ensure that a child, as well as his or her family, have access to all of the resources they need to provide a caring environment. Social workers help families enroll in programs that can help them with education and physical and occupational therapy. They also help families receive financial assistance and health care through government programs.
• Orthopedic Surgeon - cerebral palsy can cause muscles to become incredibly tight or spastic in the affected areas. Many times, people with cerebral palsy need to undergo surgeries to strengthen or repair areas that become affected by the high or low muscle tone caused by cerebral palsy. Orthopedists can recommend both surgical and non-surgical treatments for your child with cerebral palsy. When surgery becomes necessary, an orthopedist can recommend the surgery and necessary treatment after the surgery.
• Occupational therapist - cerebral palsy is ultimately a developmental condition that can cause delays in all areas. Occupational therapists work to help your child learn skills that he or she can use in everyday life, such as dressing, eating, and playing with others. Physical therapy will help your child work toward obtaining more independence and seeking a greater quality of life.
• Pediatrician - children with cerebral palsy often need experts to help them with their condition. However, they also need to develop a good relationship with their pediatrician. In some cases, children with cerebral palsy see special developmental pediatricians who can also help guide their care.

Cerebral palsy is a condition that requires extensive medical attention. Unfortunately, many parents struggle to pay for all of their children’s medical treatment. The cost of cerebral palsy treatment can easily cost over $1 million during a person’s lifetime. This estimate does not include emergency room visits, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses.

At Arnold & Smith, PLLC we fight hard for our clients who have suffered serious personal injuries. In North Carolina, when doctors engage in medical malpractice, they are liable for their patients’ injuries. If your child has cerebral palsy and your doctor’s negligence contributed to the condition, our legal team 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.