Cerebral Palsy

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy is an umbrella term used to describe any non-progressive disability resulting from damage to the brain tissue during pregnancy, birth, or during early childhood. The abnormal development or injury to the brain tissue disrupts the nerve signals to the muscles and therefore causes difficulty with movements, posture, and coordination. Cerebral Palsy covers any amount of damage to any part of the brain, and therefore symptoms and treatment vary dramatically depending on the individual.

Treatments for Cerebral Palsy

Physiotherapy for Cerebral Palsy in children:

For children, treatment for Cerebral Palsy primarily aims to increase mobility and promote physical development such as sitting, crawling, and walking. Treatment should be started early and should aim to continue on a regular basis. Every child with Cerebral Palsy presents differently and has different needs. At PCDC, our specialist pediatric physiotherapists will tailor a treatment program specific to each child’s needs. Some of the physiotherapy treatments we offer aim to:

• Increase muscle strength and activation

• Decrease muscles tightness and spasms through stretching programs and splinting techniques

• Encourage physical development through play and everyday activities

• Improve mobility with the use of different aids

Occupational Therapy for Cerebral Palsy:

Cerebral Palsy affects individuals of all ages, therefore our specialist OTs aim to improve areas of personal care, work, or leisure that are becoming difficult and help each person to achieve their individual goals. This can be achieved through:

• Functional activities independently or in groups

• Assessing function in your own environment and establish any needs for equipment, adaptations, or further rehabilitation

• Hand therapy including splinting and exercise programs

• Advice and management of pressure relief through bed positioning and seating adaptations

• Management and education to help individuals adapt and manage altered sensation

• Knowledge of a wide variety of equipment available to aid transfers and mobility

Speech and Language Therapy for Cerebral Palsy:

Individuals with Cerebral Palsy often have difficulties with their speech and swallowing. Difficulties in written and non-verbal communication can also be experienced. Our specialist speech and language therapists can assist with:

• Training for family and carers on how to communicate with someone with dysphasia

• Advice and management with various communication aids

• Treatment at the center or in your own home

• Assistance with written communication including adaptive equipment

Neuropsychology for Cerebral Palsy:

Cerebral Palsy is a lifelong condition and affects people of all ages. Coming to terms with the symptoms and loss of independence at any age is a challenge. Our clinical neuropsychologists can help to provide:

• Detailed assessment of a clients’ functioning in particular their cognition, behavior, and emotional state

• Providing advice, consultation, teaching, and supervision to other professionals as well as family and carers

• Management and advice for anxiety and changes in mood

Orthotics for Cerebral Palsy:

Orthotics may be an everyday requirement that often needs re-adjusting as the individual grows. Our specialist orthotist can help by designing, fitting, and altering orthoses to best complement your treatment and rehabilitation. These include:

• Orthotics to prevent foot drop and aid walking

• Night and day resting splints to maintain alignment and prevent contractures

• Insoles to improve alignment, proprioception, and gait

• Alteration to shoes to assist with leg length discrepancies, alignment and improve mobility