Therapy for Cerebral Palsy in Infants

Cerebral palsy (CP), a neurological disorder that effects body movement and muscle coordination, usually develops during pregnancy. However, CP can also develop from a traumatic injury during early childhood. Caring for an infant with cerebral palsy is challenging because CP effects the body's fine and gross motor skills. Fine and gross motor skills are essential in developing every day skills like walking, eating, and talking. Different forms of therapy can help infants with cerebral palsy develop the necessary skills needed to enjoy a fulfilling life.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

• Cases of cerebral palsy usually are diagnosed when a concerned parent takes her infant to the doctor because the child is showing a delay in gross motor skills, like crawling and walking. Different neurological tests can be administered to determine if the infant has cerebral palsy. After diagnosis the doctor will likely make a recommendation for therapy to aid the infant in development. Therapies used to treat CP in infants may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and drug therapy.

The Right Therapy for Your Infant

• Each case of cerebral palsy is different. One infant with CP may grow up to be an independent member of society, while another will need to rely on a caretaker throughout life. An evaluation done by your doctor on the severity of CP in your infant will determine the best therapy methods for your child.

  Physical therapy is a common CP treatment. Pediatric physical therapists specialize in treating infants. Goals of pediatric physical therapy typically involve improving balance, coordination, strength, endurance, and sensory perception. By improving these skills the infant will be able to maneuver around safely. Occupational therapy is more function-orientated. Occupational therapists work with cerebral palsy infants on skills such as getting dressed or using the bathroom independently. Both physical and occupational therapists may recommend assistive technology, like a walker for walking or large handle utensils for eating, to allow your child to function independently.

  Speech therapy focuses on improving communication. A speech therapist works with your infant on tasks like making eye contact when conversing and clearly pronouncing words. Speech therapy is also beneficial to children who have trouble eating. A therapist can work with your infant on strengthening jaw muscles, which makes the task of eating easier.

  Drug therapy involves using anticonvulsant medication to treat seizures in cerebral palsy infants. Doctors should not prescribe drug therapy unless the exact cause of the seizures has been identified, according to the Pediatric Specialty Care Association.