Infants with cerebral palsy have weakened muscle tone. Other symptoms of the disease include impaired coordination and balance, athetosis (slow cramps of the arms and legs), spastic (spasmodic) paralysis, limited range of motion, poor hearing and vision, delayed development, and more. There are four types of cerebral palsy: spastic, athetoid, ataxic, and hypotonic.
Diagnosis and treatment of cerebral palsy abroad
The diagnosis is based on a physical examination. To obtain additional data, an ultrasound scan of the brain (for children under 1 year old) or an MRI scan is performed. If epileptic seizures are suspected, an EEG (electroencephalography) is prescribed.
Cerebral palsy is an incurable disease, so the main goal of therapy is to ensure the child's independence in everyday life. Treatment of cerebral palsy abroad is based on an individual approach and work on each patient's problem. Medications, physical therapy, surgery, and more are used for this purpose.
Treatment of cerebral palsy abroad: methods
A multidisciplinary team of specialists works with patients in clinics abroad, including: pediatrician, neurologist, physiotherapist, surgeon, psychologist, speech therapist, ophthalmologist and otolaryngologist. The first step to treating cerebral palsy is usually physical therapy. The exercises are selected taking into account the specific motor disorders of the child. It helps to restore muscle tone, improve posture, movement, balance, and flexibility. Special simulators help to increase the tone, as well as prevent joint deformity and contractures (contraction of muscles and tendons).
Orthopedic devices are used to correct a curved spine, arms or legs. Occupational therapy (writing, collecting small objects, opening cans) helps to improve fine motor skills. Speech therapists diagnose speech problems and work with language skills. Speech therapy also helps a child learn how to chew and swallow food properly.
Patients with cerebral palsy are prescribed different medications for treatment abroad: from tranquilizers against spasticity to anticonvulsants for epileptic seizures. There are many surgical techniques that help to eliminate movement problems.
Most often, surgery is prescribed for spastic cerebral palsy. Increased muscle tone can be reduced to remove movement limitations. For example, a child who walks on tiptoe due to the high muscle tone in his legs can have his muscles or tendons lengthened, which will ensure a more normal walking.
Alternative treatment of cerebral palsy abroad
Clinics abroad for patients with cerebral palsy offer alternative therapy options, namely:
- hippotherapy;
- music therapy;
- water therapy;
- acupuncture.
These methods help to improve the physical condition of the child in a natural way. For example, hippotherapy (horseback riding) promotes active mobility and forms correct posture.
