Currently there is no cure for cerebral palsy, but a variety of resources and therapies can provide help and improve the quality of life for children with CP. Different kinds of therapy can help children achieve maximum potential in growth and development. As soon as CP is diagnosed, a child can begin therapy for movement, learning, speech, hearing, and social and emotional development.

Treatment may include the use of medications and therapies. Treatment goals in managing cerebral palsy from a health care perspective include:

• Facilitating the child's motor progress during the developmental period
• Improving the quality or efficiency of the child's gait
• Improving the child's functional abilities
• Preventing secondary problems
• Facilitating the highest possible quality of life for the child

Medications

Medications that can lessen the tightness of muscles may be used to improve functional abilities, treat pain and manage complications related to spasticity. The selection of medications depends on whether the problem affects only certain muscles or the whole body.

Therapies

A team of professionals will work with you to meet the child's medical needs. The team may include therapists, psychologists, educators, nurses, and social workers.

A variety of therapies may be used alone or in combination with other treatments to address various needs of the child with cerebral palsy. Specialty providers such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologist are often part of the treatment team for a child with cerebral palsy. These include the following:

Physical therapy.

Muscle training and exercises may help the child's strength, flexibility, balance, motor development and mobility. Braces or splints may be recommended for the child. Some of these supports are used to help with function, such as improved walking. Others may stretch stiff muscles to help prevent contractures.

Occupational therapy.

Using alternative strategies and adaptive equipment, occupational therapists work to promote the child's independent participation in daily activities and routines in the home, the school and the community.

Speech therapy.

Speech therapists help improve the child's ability to speak clearly or to communicate using sign language. They can also teach the child to use special communication devices - such as a board covered with pictures of everyday items and activities. Sentences can be constructed by pointing to the pictures. Speech therapists may also address difficulties with muscles used in eating and swallowing.

Surgical or other procedures.

Surgery may be needed to lessen muscle tightness or correct bone abnormalities caused by spasticity.