How to Use Dopaminergic Drugs to Treat Cerebral Palsy

One of the symptoms of cerebral palsy that affects some people, usually younger adults or children, is called dystonia, or dyskinesia. This refers to the uncontrolled, abnormal movements of the limbs, head or trunk that can range from very mild to seriously disabling. People who experience severe dystonia can use dopaminergic drugs called Sinemet and Artane to treat their symptoms. They are the same drugs that are prescribed to people who have Parkinson's disease.

Things You'll Need

• Primary care doctor
• Eye re-wetting drops
• List of current medications
• Water
• Chewing gum or hard candy
• Dopaminergic drugs

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Instructions

Use Dopaminergic Drugs to Treat Cerebral Palsy

• 1

  Consult your doctor to see if your child is a good candidate for dopaminergic (also called anti-cholinergic) medicine. Usually children with cerebral palsy who are at least 3 years old and who have moderate-to-severe movement issues will qualify.

• 2

  Write down all the medication that your child is currently taking. Be sure the medications will not interact negatively with one another.

• 3

  Educate yourself about the potential side effects of the medication so you can treat them or report them to the doctor if needed. Common side effects of Sinemet and Artane are dry eyes and mouth, blurred vision and constipation.

• 4

  Treat side effect symptoms, if possible, after consulting your doctor. Re-wetting eye drops can be used to combat dry eyes and water, gum or hard candies can help with a dry mouth if no eating or swallowing difficulties are currently present. Increasing the intake of fiber at mealtimes may go a long way toward relieving constipation.

• 5

  Limit the treatment of colds or allergies with over-the-counter antihistamines when taking dopaminergic drugs. Combining these types of medications will increase dryness of the eyes and mucous membranes. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for an alternative treatment instead.

• 6

  Monitor your child's progress while taking dopaminergic medicines, as these drugs may lose effectiveness in some people over time. Your doctor may suggest another treatment if this is the case.