There is no cure for cerebral palsy (CP), but there are several treatment options designed to improve symptoms, the child’s quality of life, physical abilities and independence. Some children with CP may require minimal physical therapy whereas others may need surgery and extensive physical therapy as well as medications to control symptoms such as seizures. The type and duration of treatment will depend on the type and severity of the motor skill dysfunction.

The child’s team of physicians and specialists may include the pediatrician and pediatric neurologist as well as an orthopedic surgeon, various physical, speech and occupational therapists, nurses, school psychologists, social workers, nutritionists and mental health professionals. Caregivers are also an integral part of any successful treatment plan.

Common treatment options for CP may include:

• Oral medication. Anticonvulsants to reduce seizures and muscle relaxants to ease stiff muscles (spasticity) may be prescribed. As with any medication, parents should discuss the benefits, risks and possible side effects (e.g., sedation, hyperactivity or other cognitive impairment) with physicians prior to giving the drugs to their children. It is also important to inform the physician of any other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements or vitamins given to the child since these substances can cause drug interactions.
  
  
• Intraspinal fluid catheter. Studies have shown some patients with severe symptoms experienced reduction in spasticity by administering skeletal muscle relaxant medication directly into the spinal fluid via a pump inserted into the lumbar vertebrae in the lower back. However, this treatment has been associated with complications from use of the catheter (e.g., infections) and side effects.
  
  
• Intramuscular injections. Botulinum toxin (Botox) injected into affected muscles can act as a muscle relaxant to help control severe spasticity at least temporarily. Studies have shown the injections may help to lengthen muscles (which can atrophy over time) or delay their degeneration. Most of the injections are used in the calf muscles and are repeated every three to eight months. This treatment is not recommended for children under 18 months of age.
  
  
• Surgery. Children with severe muscle contractures (that limit the ability to flex and fully extend limbs) may benefit from surgical procedures on muscles, tendons, nerves and joints. Depending on the severity of the dysfunction, one or multiple surgeries may be required. Surgeons may also advise parents to wait until children reach a certain minimum age before some procedures are performed, whereas others may be conducted while the child is very young. Types of surgical procedures include:
  
• • Muscle-tendon surgery. When joints (e.g., knees, elbows, ankles) have a restricted range of movement, surgically releasing or lengthening the tendon or muscle from the bone may improve functioning of the joint and the child’s gait.
    
    
  • Hip realignment surgery. Hip disorders (subluxation, dislocation and degeneration) that cause pain are common complications for a person with spastic CP.
    
    
  • Selective dorsal rhizotomy. Spinal cord surgery that involves identifying and cutting a small number of the lower spinal nerve roots that control the leg muscles. This helps to reduce spasticity without causing paralysis.
    
    
  • Stereotactic encephalotomy. Neurosurgery on the basal ganglia (one of the regions of the brain believed to be responsible for impaired motor function in CP) that involves inserting a probe into the brain and cutting specific tracts of nerve fibers. The procedure is only considered for children with severe muscle spasticity (dystonia).
    
    
• Orthopedic aids. Braces, crutches, walkers or wheelchairs may be prescribed to aid the child’s mobility.
  
  
• Ergonomic aids. Numerous devices and products are available to assist a person with physical limitations to accomplish everyday tasks. These include hand controls to operate motor vehicles, velcro ties to help grip eating utensils, and computers that can be activated and controlled with simple hand signals or by blowing on a tube.
  
  
• Physical therapy. Building up muscles that may have atrophied or weakened is an important part of continued mobility for a person with CP. Regular training and exercise will improve the child’s chances of learning to walk, run, sit or stand. Since many people with CP have difficulty controlling posture and balancing, these skills are also developed during physical therapy. Experts agree this treatment must begin as soon as the child is diagnosed and may continue throughout life.
  
  
• Speech therapy. Regular sessions with a speech therapist from an early age will help children whose bulbar muscles (which control the vocal cords, tongue, swallowing and chewing functions) are affected learn to properly sound out words and talk or communicate as best they can.
  
  
• Occupational therapy. Learning how to function day-to-day and perform personal tasks is critical for a child with CP. These lessons include holding a pencil, spoon or fork, feeding themselves, using buttons, zippers or belts, brushing their teeth and/or grooming.
  
  
• Psychotherapy. Mental health counseling for the child, siblings and parents or caregivers is an essential part of the treatment and learning to cope with the disorder.
  
  
• Ongoing evaluation. The child may need periodic x-rays (on hips and other joints), blood tests and vision, hearing and speech exams to determine their progress or monitor the effect of certain medications.