How to Correct Drooling From Cerebral Palsy

Many children and adults who have cerebral palsy have difficulty swallowing saliva, which can lead to excessive drooling. This is because they may be unable to control certain muscles or because they don't recognize that drooling is considered poor social behavior. Depending on the severity of their condition, some people are able to learn how to control drooling through medication, surgery or biofeedback exercises.

Instructions

How to Correct Drooling from Cerebal Palsy

• 1

  Correct this behavior early on. Because drooling can begin in childhood, it's best to try to correct the behavior as early as possible. If your child has cerebral palsy, contact his physician to determine the best course of action when drooling occurs.

• 2

  Keep a record of how often your child drools and when drooling occurs for at least a week. This will help physicians and therapists devise a plan to help correct the situation.

• 3

  Research the options available. If your child has the ability to alter her behavior and learn new ways to cope with every day situations then biofeedback may be your best option. Biofeedback teaches children to recognize that they are drooling and provides them with ways to stop. Other options include medications called anti-cholinergics or surgery. These options are not always best because of possible side effects and other difficulties.

• 4

  Seek physical therapists that are trained in biofeedback techniques for those who have cerebral palsy. Get a referral from your child's primary physician.

• 5

  Attend routine therapy sessions with your child to help them learn how to control drooling or prevent it from occurring in the first place.