Although cerebral palsy is a lifelong disability, there are many interventions that can help reduce its impact on the body and the individual’s quality of life. An intervention is a service that aims to improve the condition of cerebral palsy and the day-to-day experience of the person living with it.
Children with cerebral palsy may be supported by a team of professionals including health professionals and community-based support services who work together to help the child and family reach their goals. Through their late teens and early 20s, many young people take increasing responsibility for their own health and wellbeing. Their team may include health professionals and mainstream community providers such as fitness trainers. Can cerebral palsy be prevented or cured?At present, there is no way to totally prevent or cure cerebral palsy. Public health measures such as mandatory seatbelts, pool fencing and rubella vaccinations continue to prevent some CP. Several interventions for high risk infants have been recently introduced to reduce the risk or severity of cerebral palsy. Three examples are:
(Update: 18 Nov 2015)
Orthopaedic surgeons correct joint deformities and lengthen muscles. Surgery usually takes place in a child’s late primary years or early adolescence to improve walking quality and reduce pain. Paediatric rehabilitation specialists support the management of some of the conditions associated with cerebral palsy, such as spasticity, musculoskeletal issues and growth. Casts, splints and muscle strengtheningPhysiotherapists and occupational therapists may also focus on preventing impairments that might affect movement. They use casts, orthotics and muscle strengthening exercises. See:
Psychologists can provide assessment of a child’s learning and development. Special educators work with families to develop a program of interventions to address each child’s learning needs. Occupational therapists can facilitate a child’s active participation in these learning activities. Psychologists and occupational therapists can provide assessment and recommend learning strategies to compensate for perceptual difficulties.
Medical specialists may prescribe antiepileptic medication to minimise the number of seizures. They will also guide families on the management of seizures when they do occur.
Pain may be treated through medication and by addressing the underlying cause of the pain, e.g. by treating muscle contractures or gaestro-oesophageal reflux. Psychologists may offer cognitive-behavioural therapy for chronic pain. This process works to help a person change the way they think about pain and, in turn, how they feel and behave about pain. See: Temporary relief of pain may be assisted through massage or hydrotherapy. See:
Medical specialists may prescribe medication or treat the associated issues that impact on sleep. Psychologists may assist with behaviour therapy or help families to establish routines to help resolve children’s sleep issues. For children with postural issues that make sleep difficult, occupational therapists and physiotherapists may prescribe special sleep systems to help children feel more comfortable in bed. See:
Psychologists can offer assessment and support for emotional and behavioural challenges, which may include behaviour therapy and cognitive behaviour therapy. Social workers support people with cerebral palsy and their families in many ways, including strengths-based counselling and mutual aid groupwork. See:
Treatment (intervention) for severe difficulties with digestion, such as gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) includes medications or sometimes surgery. Non-oral feeding may be recommended if the individual has severely limited eating skills or experiences an unsafe swallow. This involves a surgically inserted feeding tube to the stomach or the small intestine. See: Medical interventions are performed by medical specialists in hospitals. Speech pathologists provide assessment and treatment (intervention) for eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties. Examples of these are learning to use the muscles of the mouth better, using specially designed utensils and sitting in an optimal position. See:
Dietary AdviceDietitians provide advice on improved and balanced nutrition.
Speech pathologists may suggest various strategies to help people manage saliva loss. These include remembering to wipe their mouth and wearing age-appropriate clothing protection. Medical specialists may prescribe medication for saliva control. This is not usually considered a long term treatment option, but can be useful to dry up saliva temporarily. Botulinum Toxin Type A, injected into the salivary glands can reduce the secretion of saliva. In severe cases of drooling, surgery may be suggested to permanently manage saliva.
Hearing and vision impairment are managed as they are for the general population by Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Audiologists, Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists and General practitioners. Interventions include corrective eye wear (glasses), contact lenses, hearing aids and in some cases medication or surgery.
(Update: 17 Nov 2015) |
Which is the primary goal that should be included in the plan of care for a child who has cerebral palsy?
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