Have you ever see a person who’s wobbly, or is unable to maintain his or her posture? Well, if you already have, then that person may be suffering from a condition called cerebral palsy! (CP). Cerebral palsy is defined as a group of disorders that impair or affect an individual’s posture and mobility (with “cerebral” meaning it has something to do with the brain, while “palsy” means weakness or issues with the muscles). CP is also very common during childhood, which makes this medical condition a truly sad and mysterious one. However, the good thing is that there are potent methods for treating or alleviating CP.

The Use of Certain Medications

One of the most common avenues for cerebral palsy treatment in  Brisbane is the use of certain medications, which can either lessen abnormal movement or relieve overactive muscles. The medicines can be injected into the affected area, infused into the fluid that surrounds the spinal cord through a pump or taken by mouth. But, for kids who suffer from CP and seizures, conventional medicines for epilepsy are often considered.

Physical Therapy

Since kids and adults who have cerebral palsy have problems with balance and mobility, physical therapy is one of the most crucial aspects of cerebral palsy treatment. The physical therapy options include occupational therapy (OT) which helps the child learn everyday activities to, speech and language therapy, recreational therapy (arts, sports and cultural activities) and specialized cerebral palsy exercises.

But, while all kids and adults who suffer from CP have problems have issues with posture and movement, some have issues like intellectual instability, vision and hearing problems, joint problems and spinal issues like scoliosis.

Surgery

Kids who suffer from cerebral palsy may require varying degrees of surgery, especially if the symptoms are really bad. For example, surgery can ease tightly-contracted muscles, or it can correct an abnormal spine curve. However, before doctors perform surgery, they would first assess or analyze the patient’s current medical condition, and assess the benefits of the medical procedure.

Use Orthotic Devices

Kids (and even adults) who suffer from cerebral palsy can also find relief by using orthotic and other assistive devices. Examples of these include casts, splints and braces which can be placed on the affected body part, if only to enhance balance and mobility. The other orthotic and assistive devices include powered scooters, rolling walkers and wheelchairs.

Alternative Medicine

Apart from using conventional treatments, a handful of alternative or traditional medical interventions have also been noted to treat or ease the symptoms of cerebral palsy. Among these include nutrition therapy and counseling, wherein a diet is designed for individual patients.

Another amazing treatment mode which originated from the east is acupuncture, where fine needles are inserted into specific and defined parts of the body to correct abnormalities or disruptions in harmony, and restore the body’s normal flow of energy.

And though acupuncture’s effectiveness has not yet been fully determined, there’s ample evidence to show that it can reduce pain and enhance motor function and mobility. Thus, it has been hailed as one of the best alternative cerebral palsy treatments.