Cerebral Palsy
Advanced care for cerebral palsy in Pasadena
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder that affects muscle tone, movement and motor skills (the ability to move in a coordinated and purposeful way). CP is usually caused by brain damage that occurs before or during a child’s birth or during the first three to five years of a child’s life.
In general, the earlier treatment begins, the better chance children have of overcoming developmental disabilities or learning new ways to accomplish the tasks that challenge them. Treatment may include physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, drugs to control seizures, relax muscle spasms, and alleviate pain; surgery to correct anatomical abnormalities or release tight muscles; braces and other orthotic devices; wheelchairs and rolling walkers; and communication aids such as computers with attached voice synthesizers.
Some physicians use clondine (Catapress) as the first line of therapy. The advantage is that it is available in a patch form that can be replaced once a week, not requiring a daily ingestion of tablets. Like guanephezine (Tenex), it is a centrally acting blood pressure medication that may benefit tics and calm down hyperactive behavior. In some students, especially when treated with Tenex, parents report improved attention span and school performance. Between 35% and 50% of all children with CP will have an accompanying seizure disorder and some level of mental retardation. They also may have learning disabilities and vision, speech, hearing or language problems.
Learn more about treating cerebral palsy at West Coast Neurology. Call (626) 598-3770 or book an appointment online by clicking here.
