Natural Remedies for Cerebral Palsy

While there are no actual cures for cerebral palsy, natural remedies can help support brain and muscle function. Likewise, a number of therapies use holistic approaches to treat CP. Some of the best treatments for cerebral palsy include Echinacea, fish oil, acupuncture, and physical therapy.
1. Echinacea
MyChild Cerebral Palsy Foundation emphasizes the importance of complementary and alternative medicine for treating cerebral palsy. Supplements are one branch of this form of treatment, and Echinacea is one of the most effective. This herbal remedy helps promote effective blood circulation throughout the body as well as initiates better neural communication. Echinacea also helps soothe spastic muscles to reduce pain and encourage muscle movement. To begin treatment, try 20-40mg of Echinacea by mouth daily.
2. Fish Oil
Fish oil is an important source of omega-3 fats. These fats line the neural passageways and initiate more effective nerve communication and responses. Omega-3s also encourage the development of healthy brain tissue. You can take a fish oil supplement by mouth every day.
3. Acupuncture
Research has also identified the importance of different forms of therapy for treating CP. Acupuncture is an ancient form of therapy and is considered an effective complementary medicine for cerebral palsy. Depending on its use, acupuncture offers pain relief as well as the reduction of inflammation throughout your body. The practice can also help restructure different parts of the brain and improve muscle use and development.
4. Physical Therapy
WebMD also notes that physical therapy is an important treatment for CP. Physical therapy centers on strengthening the muscles throughout your body so you are more able to control them. A treatment called constraint-induced movement therapy is also often used to encourage patients to develop the less-functioning muscles.
5. Ginger
Another treatment option backed by research is the use of ginger. Ginger is considered a circulatory herb that helps improve blood flow or circulation. By improving blood flow throughout the body, ginger also boosts the oxygen levels in the brain and increases available nutrients to cells. Look for ginger in a capsule form or simply use the herb in tea or as a cooking spice.

Keep reading below to discover more complementary and alternative treatments for supporting cerebral palsy care.

Stem Cell Therapy Treatment For Cerebral Palsy

Stem cells are known as “multifunctional cells” by medical circles for its capacity of constant proliferation and differentiation. In certain condition, they can differentiate into specialized cells with different functions and form various tissues and organs. That is why they are used in treating diseases.

Clinically used stem cells need to go through a professional process, which includes stem cell collection, separation and purification, before they are cultured into specialized cells demanded in the treatment. After that, they were transfused to the patient through intravenous injection or intervention. Due to the self-duplication and differentiation capacity of stem cells, they can form massive new cells to replace the injured cells. Stem cell transplantation is a biological cell therapy, which does not cause side effect to patients.

Treatment principle of stem cell transplantation in treating cerebral palsy: neurons differentiated by transplanted neural stem cells can replace and make up the injured neurons and promote the differentiation of neural stem cells in the patient’s brain tissues, so as to recover the normal growth and development of brain nerve, repair the brain function and improve patient’s life quality.

Why the Earlier the Better for Treating Cerebral Palsy?


The ideal time for cerebral palsy treatment is before half a year old, and the earlier the better. That is because children’s brains have better self-protection function, which has higher tolerance to oxygen. The younger the patient is, the more plastic the brain is. Therefore, active and effective treatment should be done while it is still early, so as to help the brain recover as soon as possible.

What is Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type of cerebral palsy. The muscles of people with spastic cerebral palsy appear stiff and their movements may look stiff and jerky.Spasticity is a form of hypertonia, or increased muscle tone. When people without cerebral palsy perform a movement, some groups of muscles turn on and some groups of muscles turn off. In people with spastic cerebral palsy, both groups of muscles may become turned on at the same time. In some instances the wrong muscle groups may turn on. This makes movement difficult or even impossible.
Muscles appear stiff because the messages to the muscles are sent incorrectly through the damaged part of the brain
When a muscle is affected by spasticity, the faster the limb is moved, the stiffer it seems
Spasticity arises as a result of damage to bundles of neurons in the brain and spinal cord called the corticospinal tracts andcorticobulbar tracts
Spasticity is seen in a number of different conditions including cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke and multiple sclerosis

People may have difficulty moving from one position to another and controlling individual muscles or muscle groups needed for performing certain tasks like handling objects or speaking

Spastic Cerebral Palsy, Athetoid Cerebral Palsy, Ataxic Cerebral Palsy Symptoms

Specific movement problems are the primary symptoms of cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a group of different motor function disorders caused by injury in different parts of the brain. These motor control problems are the foundation of the multitude of other symptoms associated with cerebral palsy.
Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Difficulties with fine motor skills due to jerky reflexes
Stiff muscles (hypertonia)
Exaggerated reflexes
Athetoid/dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy
Tremors and shakiness
Involuntary reflexes
Variations in muscle tone (hypertonia and hypotonia)
Slow, writhing movement
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
Lack of coordination
Difficulty with balance
Trouble with fine motor skills

These developmental movement disorders can be limited to: one side of the body, the legs, the arms, all four limbs or just one limb. People with cerebral palsy experience different symptoms based on the location of movement problems. These movement problems usually do not get worse over time, but issues such as a shortening of muscles or tendons may develop without proper management.

Treatment for Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

Although cerebral palsy is incurable, children with the disability can grow up to live healthy, meaningful lives. Treatment for cerebral palsy helps children with the disorder become more independent and comfortable. Physical therapy and medications keep current problems in check and help prevent future complications.

Physical therapy
Physical therapy helps train children with athetoid cerebral palsy how to hold objects and correct their posture. Strength training, using resistance bands and machines, is often used to help improve low muscle tone. Physical therapists also work with children to overcome any sensory impairments, such as touch and depth perception, that are making movement more difficult.
Medication
Most of the medications prescribed to children with athetoid cerebral palsy are used to treat secondary conditions that result from developmental brain damage. There are many commonly prescribed medications for athetoid cerebral palsy patients. Anticonvulsants are used to reduce seizures. Over-the-counter acid reflux medications, such as Zantac, are prescribed for children with weak gastroesophageal muscles. Ritalin and other medications treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is diagnosed in up to 20 percent of children with CP. Medications to control drooling and incontinence are also useful.
Surgery

Surgery for children with cerebral palsy corrects and prevents issues with joints, muscles and tendons by correctly aligning parts of the body to foster healthy growth. Although it is not common in athetoid CP, surgery can be used to correct joint deformities and dislocations due to high muscle tone.

Children with Cerebral Palsy Treatment

Children with cerebral palsy may be supported by a team of professionals including health professionals and community-based support services who work together to help the child and family reach their goals.

Through their late teens and early 20s, many young people take increasing responsibility for their own health and wellbeing. Their team may include health professionals and mainstream community providers such as fitness trainers.
While specific therapies help a child develop specific skills and abilities, the overall goal of treatment is to help the individual with cerebral palsy reach his or her greatest potential physically, mentally, and socially. This is accomplished with a variety of different approaches managed by a team of professionals. Care for people with cerebral palsy is complicated, requiring a number of different services and specialists. In some areas, care is available through a single multidisciplinary clinic that oversees all aspects of the child's therapy.
Rehabilitation: A comprehensive rehabilitation program may include physical therapy, use of special equipment, and spasticity treatment. This program is often overseen by a specialist in rehabilitation medicine (sometimes called a physiatrist).
Physical therapy involves stretching, physical exercises, and other activities that develop muscle strength, flexibility, and control. The goal is to maximize function and minimize disabling contractures. The focus is on developing specific skills such as holding the head up, sitting unsupported, or walking. Braces, splints, and casts may be used to help reach these goals.
Special equipment that may be helpful to people with CP includes walkers, positioning devices, customized wheelchairs, scooters, and tricycles.

Spasticity may be treated by injections into the muscles or by medications. Reduction of spasticity can improve range of motion, reduce deformity, improve response to occupational and physical therapy, and delay the need for surgery.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Cerebral Palsy

Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy, which is caused by abnormalities or damage in parts of the brain that control movement, can't be cured. Although cerebral palsy appears in the first few years of life and permanently affects movement and coordination, the condition doesn't get worse over time.
Chinese medicine treatment of cerebral palsy is mainly based on clinical manifestations, on the basis of dialectical debate with the disease on the use of Chinese medicine to treating. As well as traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture, massage, medicated bath and other therapies, in the treatment of cerebral palsy have a good effect. TCM external treatment within the sources of long, Chinese medicine, the drug percutaneous absorption mechanism mainly Meridian Wei guidance and skin penetration, but whether it is the former or the latter, are inseparable from the release of the drug, through the absorption of three steps. Paralysis rehabilitation paste precisely this principle and developed a transdermal therapeutic paste, with Qi meridians, blood circulation, swelling and pain function, applied to the skin or acupoints, through its turn, transferred its blood, so Yin and Yang attributed the balance and tone tends organs, enabling children CROO, increase intelligence, improve muscle strength in children with cerebral palsy, reduce muscle tension in children.

Traditional Chinese medication therapy for cerebral palsy is can improve quality of living in a certain ways and it is can avoid the side effect. Help patients do some simple activities and relieve pain, but it is can not cure for cerebral palsy. Now, there have a new and effective treatment of cerebral palsy, stem cell transplantation therapy.

Effect Treatment for Cerebral Palsy With Children

With early and ongoing treatment the effects of CP can be reduced. Many children learn how to get their bodies to work for them in other ways. For example, one infant whose CP keeps him from crawling may be able to get around by rolling from place to place.
Typically, children with CP may need different kinds of therapy, including:
Physical therapy (PT), which helps the child develop stronger muscles such as those in the legs and trunk. Through PT, the child works on skills such as walking, sitting, and keeping his or her balance.
Occupational therapy (OT), which helps the child develop fine motor skills such as dressing, feeding, writing, and other daily living tasks.
Speech-language pathology (S/L), which helps the child develop his or her communication skills. The child may work in particular on speaking, which may be difficult due to problems with muscle tone of the tongue and throat.
All of these are available as related services in both early intervention programs (for very young children) and special education (for school-aged children).
Children with CP may also find a variety of special equipment helpful. For example, braces (also called AFOs) may be used to hold the foot in place when the child stands or walks. Custom splints can provide support to help a child use his or her hands. A variety of therapy equipment and adapted toys are available to help children play and have fun while they are working their bodies. Activities such as swimming or horseback riding can help strengthen weaker muscles and relax the tighter ones.

New medical treatments are being developed all the time. Sometimes surgery, Botox injections, or other medications can help lessen the effects of CP, but there is no cure for the condition. It’s also important to understand that cerebral palsy is not contagious, not inherited, and not progressive. The symptoms will differ from person to person and change as children and their nervous systems mature.

Kids Cerebral Palsy Treatment In China

It is rare to see that there are two CP kids in a family. But when it did happen, what will the parents do? It is a tough question and no one really could experience it and feel how hard it is as we are not in that shoes.
When an infant or young child is diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, the family’s lives are changed forever. Confronting and living with the challenges brought about by CP requires families to draw upon strengths within themselves that they often did not think existed. Parents and families have to adjust to a life different than they imagined. The ability of the family to meet these challenges is determined, in large part, by the support that is available from other immediate family members, grandparents, relatives, friends and co-workers. Equally important are the supports and services that the family and child receive from the educational and other social service agencies.
CP is often apparent at birth. An infant is diagnosed, usually by a physician, at the hospital. Some children are diagnosed later after they fail to meet certain developmental milestones. Thanks to advances in technology and greater understanding of CP, children with CP are being identified during their very early years and are able to get services much earlier in life.
In fact, every time when assisting our expert  when he is in his clinic, we can see how parents are worrying about their kid who is diagnosed with CP. And how hard for a family to support the CP kid’s treatment cost, the physical rehab cost and even for their daily care…

As one of the top level Chinese governmental hospital in China - Beijing Erkang Baiwang Hospital , whose Stem Cell Department is the first neural stem cell transplantation centre in China, So far we have used stem cell therapy to treat over 2700 CP kids. To give more CP kids and children to have better life as they are so young and there is still a long way to go.

Cerebral palsy Overview , Causes

Overview of Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) comprises a group of disorders caused by brain damage during pregnancy, delivery or shortly after delivery. It is often accompanied by impaired movement, speaking, hearing, eyesight, lack of coordination and mental underdevelopment.

Causes of cerebral palsy
According to current research, the main causes of Cerebral Palsy has below three factors:
Intrauterine: Complications during labor and delivery, infection, physical and chemical factors (radiation, organic mercury, carbon monoxide) as well as fetal hypoxia–ischemia are all possible causative factors. Conditions affecting the mother’s health such as anemia and toxicity are also possible causative factors.
Perinatal period: Prematurity, excessive pain, prolonged labor, abnormal placenta, umbilical cord around the neck, neonatal breathing disorders, nuclear jaundice, and intracranial hemorrhage due to birth trauma can also cause Cerebral Palsy.

Postnatal: Risking factors include nervous system infection and head injuries.

Spastic Cerebral Palsy Symptoms And Treatment

Spastic cerebral palsy is the result of neurological damage to the pyramidal tract region. The part of the brain affected manages muscle control in the body.

Spastic cerebral palsy symptoms:
Muscles that are tight and do not stretch and they may get progressively worse over time.
Abnormal walk (gait) and arms may be tucked in toward the sides, knees may be crossed or touching and legs making scissors, crossing movements, walk on the toes.
Joints may be tight and do not open up all the way this is sometimes called joint contracture.
Muscle weakness or loss of movement in a group of muscles.
Spastic CP has differing levels of severity with the the lowest calledSpastic hemiplegia which affects one side of the body mostly an arm and occasionally including the leg.
Spastic diplegia affects the legs and causes problems walking and balancing.
The most sever type of the condition is is Spastic quadriplegia
with all four limbs affected. Sometimes because of the severity of the damage a child expressing Quadriplegia may suffer learning difficulties, have sever mobility problems and suffer from epileptic seizures.
Other common associated conditions include:
Learning Difficulty
Epilepsy
Spatial Awareness
Hearing Problems
Behavioral Problems
Sleep Problems
Difficulty Feeding

Drooling
Hydrotherapy treatment For Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Hydrotherapy treatment is physical treatment that involves the use of water for neural disease treatment, which takes the advantage of the physical properties of water such as temperature and pressure.
But this is totally different from that of other countries. The experts put traditional Chinese medicine into water in order to reach the efficacy of Cerebral Palsy treatment and improve the body condition in Beijing Erkang Haiwang Hospital. And they manage kinds of traditional Chinese medicine for different patient to stimulate blood circulation.

Treatment for Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

Although cerebral palsy is incurable, children with the disability can grow up to live healthy, meaningful lives. Treatment for cerebral palsy helps children with the disorder become more independent and comfortable. Physical therapy and medications keep current problems in check and help prevent future complications.

Physical therapy
Physical therapy helps train children with athetoid cerebral palsy how to hold objects and correct their posture. Strength training, using resistance bands and machines, is often used to help improve low muscle tone. Physical therapists also work with children to overcome any sensory impairments, such as touch and depth perception, that are making movement more difficult.
Medication

Most of the medications prescribed to children with athetoid cerebral palsy are used to treat secondary conditions that result from developmental brain damage. There are many commonly prescribed medications for athetoid cerebral palsy patients. Anticonvulsants are used to reduce seizures. Over-the-counter acid reflux medications, such as Zantac, are prescribed for children with weak gastroesophageal muscles. Ritalin and other medications treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is diagnosed in up to 20 percent of children with CP. Medications to control drooling and incontinence are also useful.
Chinese medicine for Cerebral Palsy 
Traditional Chinese medicine for CP treatment has been widely applied. Our Erkang Baiwang Hospital has developed a unique system of TCM rehabilitation therapy, and it maximizes the advantages of acupuncture, Ma's Massage, medicated bath, and kerotherapy. Although TCM as an aid in CP treatment has an irreplaceable role, there is still a more effective treatment---stem cell treatment, which can repair the damaged brain cells caused by cerebral palsy. If you want to get further information about cerebral palsy treatment, you can click on the online consulting or email us: service@ekbwyy.com.

Causes Of Cerebral Palsy

It cause of cerebral palsy in children raised this topic, it is very difficult to say which is absolutely accurate. In fact, the cause of cerebral palsy has been troubled by a medical problem in the world, the cause of cerebral palsy are asphyxia, hypoxia, dystocia, neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Due to understand the causes of cerebral palsy treatment for cerebral palsy is significant that today we are particularly invited Beijing Erkang Baiwang cerebral palsy Hospital Professor Zhang Lanting professional answer for everyone, and I hope readers have some help.

For forcing children with cerebral palsy, Professor Zhang Lanting explained as follows:
1, maternal factors: If the woman is elderly primipara, young mothers, or prolonged drug abuse, smoking, drinking, long-term medication, accompanied by infection during pregnancy and suffering from various other diseases, the birth of children prone to cerebral palsy, pregnant best regular inspection period, make the appropriate preventive measures.
2. Factors newborn: newborn brain tissue before and after birth appeared ischemia, hypoxia, injury cases, could lead to cerebral palsy. In addition, if it is premature children, low birth weight children, many fetuses, neonatal severe jaundice, and very prone to cerebral palsy, for these fetuses, pay attention closely observed.
3, premature birth and low birth weight: less than 37 weeks gestational age is called premature delivery, low birth weight less than 2500g birth weight children called. For extreme prematurity and low birth weight children children because brain development is extremely immature, and the high incidence of various complications, these are all factors that lead to cerebral palsy, which is the reason for neonatal cerebral palsy.
4, acquired factors: Neonatal trauma, hypoglycemia, intracranial hemorrhage, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, convulsions, aspiration pneumonia, septicemia, meningitis and other infectious diseases, as well as fetal cardiopulmonary abnormalities, caused by neonatal period breathing disorders, can cause cerebral palsy.
Beijing Erkang Baiwang cerebral palsy Hospital in 1988 since the founding of the surgical treatment of children with cerebral palsy multiple surgical innovation by Professor Zhang Lanting own R & D created a best way to treat cerebral palsy - cerebral palsy treatment system CNSA central nervous system regulation, to adhere to brain surgery check → Rehabilitation Evaluation → → → rehabilitation → orthopedic surgery rehabilitation → woke complex intellectual muscle for the principle, as far as possible so that children in social life can take care of themselves before entering.

Do not be afraid had cerebral palsy, prompt treatment is the key. The election of the hospital and therapy, see the effect a few months later. Treatment of children with cerebral palsy, parents and friends have recommended use of our hospital, "CNSA cerebral palsy treatment of central nervous system regulation system", the system therapy is Professor Zhang Lanting after years of clinical research and practice, to explore regeneration, recycling, treatment of children with cerebral palsy rebalancing ideas form a systematic, scientific, standardized system of children with cerebral palsy treatment.

Stem Cell Transplations For Children With Cerebral Palsy

Do you know how children with cerebral palsy can not do many things, even simple daily life activities. Before treatment of cerebral palsy children, you need to understand what is the cerebral palsy and what the exactly reason cause children or adults with cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy is one of the most common congenital disorder of childhood disease that cause of movement problems and lack of coordination.
Cerebral palsy have mainly three types of cerebral palsy: spastic cerebral palsy, it is causes stiffness and movement difficulties. Athetoid cerebral palsy usually leads to involuntary and uncontrolled movements. Ataxic cerebral palsy is usually causes a disturbed sense of balance and depth perception. If you have a child suffer from cerebral palsy, you may know have many troubles in your daily living and how terrible of feeling child and family member have? Thus, people will pay attention to cerebral palsy patients.

Cerebral palsy affects coordination and muscle tone control, even simple movement. As we all know, until today, cerebral palsy is a incurable disease and had more than 800,000 people suffer from cerebral palsy in the world, especially children. Thus, treatment of cerebral palsy children is very important. There have many therapies to help patients, such as nutrition therapy, drugs therapy, swim therapy, physical therapy and so on.


Nowadays, there has a very safe and effective treatment of cerebral palsy children, it is a stem cell transplantation treatment. Do you know why stem cells treatmetn is the most effective therapy? That depend on stem cell self functions and abilities. Stem cells have secretion function that means it is can secret growth factors and nutrition, which can offer to damage cells and tissues. Stem cells have repairing function that can repair damaged cells to work normal. Stem cells also have replacement ability and differentiate ability.

Is There Cure For Cerebral Palsy

While there are no actual cures for cerebral palsy, natural remedies can help support brain and muscle function. Likewise, a number of therapies use holistic approaches to treat CP. Some of the best treatments for cerebral palsy include Echinacea, fish oil, acupuncture, and physical therapy.
Although there is no cure for cerebral palsy, the condition can be managed through a variety of therapies to help the child reach their maximum potential in growth and development. Even though there is still not a lot known about the origin and causes of cerebral palsy . William Little, new treatments for cerebral palsy continue to break new ground and offer hope to the patients and families of this condition.

The search for a cure for the brain damage that manifests as cerebral palsy, includes research on:
Understanding cause and causal pathways
Preventing brain injury and brain malformation from occurring
Intervention measures to thwart brain injury and malformation
Repairing brain cells to restore function to damaged areas of the brain
Recently, stem cell research shows promise. Stem cell research is being performed to ascertain whether damaged brain cells can be fixed or replaced.
Stem cells have self-renewal ability especially the newborn cells, which can repair damaged cells, regenerate aging cells or differentiate into new functional cells. Studies have shown that stem cells can activate various cell mass under cell dormant state in order to alternate or update recessionary and aging cells caused by pathology.

Therapy, medications, surgeries, assistive technologies and, with caution, some complementary and alternative interventions are commonly deployed to manage cerebral palsy. Not all impairment is profound as some individuals have very mild impairment that requires very little care while others may have a more severe form that requires up to and including total care. Every individual’s condition – location of impairment, level and extent of severity, and types motor impairment – is unique to the person.
learn about How to treat Cerebral Palsy With Stem cells 

Stem Cell Treatment For Treating Cerebral Palsy

Stem cells are known as “multifunctional cells” by medical circles for its capacity of constant proliferation and differentiation. In certain condition, they can differentiate into specialized cells with different functions and form various tissues and organs. That is why they are used in treating diseases.
Clinically used stem cells need to go through a professional process, which includes stem cell collection, separation and purification, before they are cultured into specialized cells demanded in the treatment. After that, they were transfused to the patient through intravenous injection or intervention. Due to the self-duplication and differentiation capacity of stem cells, they can form massive new cells to replace the injured cells. Stem cell transplantation is a biological cell therapy, which does not cause side effect to patients.
Treatment principle of stem cell transplantation in treating cerebral palsy: neurons differentiated by transplanted neural stem cells can replace and make up the injured neurons and promote the differentiation of neural stem cells in the patient’s brain tissues, so as to recover the normal growth and development of brain nerve, repair the brain function and improve patient’s life quality.
Why the Earlier the Better for Treating Cerebral Palsy?

The ideal time for cerebral palsy treatment is before half a year old, and the earlier the better. That is because children’s brains have better self-protection function, which has higher tolerance to oxygen. The younger the patient is, the more plastic the brain is. Therefore, active and effective treatment should be done while it is still early, so as to help the brain recover as soon as possible.

Athetoid Cerebral Palsy Symptoms and Overview

Athetoid cerebral palsy is a form of athetonia, which is marked by slow, writhing involuntary muscle movement. A mixed muscle tone where some are too high and others too low also characterize Athetoid cerebral palsy. Damage to the basal ganglia, located in the midbrain, is the cause of athetoid cerebral palsy. Approximately 25 percent of cerebral palsy patients are affected by athetoid cerebral palsy. Athetoid cerebral palsy can also be referred to as dyskenetic cerebral palsy.
Athetoid Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral palsy is movement disorder originating from some sort of damage to the brain. There are a few different types of cerebral palsy e.g. spastic, athetoid and ataxic. Athetoid cerebral palsy is characterized by athetoid movements which are slow, writhing involuntary muscle movements. More detailed information about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of Athetoid Cerebral Palsy is available below.
The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Athetoid Cerebral Palsyincludes the 11 symptoms listed below:
Mixture of increased and decreased muscle tone
Damage to the basal ganglia part of the brain
Exacerbation of symptoms when stressed
Athetoid symptoms abate when completely relaxed or sleeping
Inability to hold posture
Unable to sit
Unable to walk
Speaking difficulty
Eating difficulty
Drooling

Difficulty grasping objects

Alternative Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

Diagnosis of cerebral palsy is one of the last things anyone wants to hear, but even if you or someone you love has heard those words, there is something you can do about it. While there is no actual cure for cerebral palsy, early diagnosis and progressive treatment can drastically improve the quality of life for everyone. Some of the best natural treatment options, also known as complementary and alternative medicine, include Echinacea, fish oil, acupuncture, and a number of other forms of therapy.

Cerebral palsy, which is caused by abnormalities or damage in parts of the brain that control movement, can't be cured. Although cerebral palsy appears in the first few years of life and permanently affects movement and coordination, the condition doesn't get worse over time.

Alternative Medicine for Cerebral Palsy

Although few studies have tested the use of alternative therapy for cerebral palsy, there's some evidence that acupuncture may help with the disorder. For instance, in a research review published in 2010, scientists sized up 35 randomized clinical trials and concluded that acupuncture may benefit cerebral palsy patients.

Acupuncture may improve speech and boost bone density in cerebral palsy patients. And in a 2009 study of 60 children with cerebral palsy, researchers found that participants who received an alternative therapy combining acupuncture with music therapy showed greater improvement in movement . Each group underwent 36 treatment sessions, which took place every two days (with three treatments weekly).


Acupuncture is an ancient form of therapy and is considered an effective complementary medicine for cerebral palsy. Depending on its use, acupuncture offers pain relief as well as the reduction of inflammation throughout your body. The practice can also help restructure different parts of the brain and improve muscle use and development.

Cerebral Palsy Causes & Treatment In china

Cerebral palsy, often referred to as CP, is not just a single disorder but an umbrella term for a group of disorders that affect both body movement and posture. The disease is generally caused by damage in one or more parts of the brain that control movement and muscle tone. CP can also be caused by abnormal development in these regions of the brain.

Since cerebral palsy is an umbrella term, many people are unaware that there are many different types of CP which include spastic, dyskinetic, athetoid, ataxic, and mixed. Spastic is, in fact, the most commonly occurring type and is primarily identified by increased muscle tone. The muscles of a person suffering from spastic CP are stiff (spastic) and exhibit jerky or awkward movements. The symptoms can be found in both legs, a single side of the body, or the entire body.
People with this disease have difficulty coordinating muscles and controlling movement. Other symptoms of CP include poor muscle tone, uncontrolled movements, problems with balance, posture, coordination, walking, swallowing, and speech, muscle stiffness, and breathing problems. There is also the possibility of mental retardation, learning disabilities, seizures, bladder and bowel control problems, dental problems, and hearing and vision problems.
The severity or presence of the symptoms may vary from person to person and may even wax or wane over time. However, it is important to note that cerebral palsy will not get worse over time; CP is not a degenerative disease and does not cause death. Despite the varying levels of severity, there is a variety of treatments available to patients today though there is no cure.
Treatment for CP helps reduce the disabilities often associated with the disorder. A specified therapy regime will be determined by the patient and medical professionals but will often include some form of physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, therapeutic braces, drugs, or even surgeries. Many patients experience the use of cerebral-palsy braces at some point.

The use of braces in treating the symptoms of cerebral palsy is effective in reducing spasticity and improving the range of motion for the affected areas. The most common type of brace is an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) which actually minimizes gait irregularities in patients. These devices can also help reduce energy expenditure, improves ambulation, and increases speed. Braces coupled with physical therapy are usually quite effective.

How Are Kids Cerebral Palsy (CP) Treated?

For a kid with CP, the problem with the brain will not get any worse as the kid gets older. For example, a kid who has CP that affects only the legs will not develop CP in the arms or problems with speech later on. The effect of CP on the arms or legs can get worse, however, and some kids may develop dislocated hips (when the bones that meet at the hips move out of their normal position) or scoliosis (curvature of the spine).

That is why therapy is so important. Kids with CP usually havephysical, occupational, or speech therapy to help them develop skills like walking, sitting, swallowing, and using their hands. There are also medications to treat the seizures that some kids with CP have. Some medications can help relax the muscles in kids with spastic CP. And some kids with CP may have specialsurgeries to keep their arms or legs straighter and more flexible.

Treatment options for children with cerebral palsy include:
Physical therapy to help improve strength, flexibility, and balance
Occupational therapy to help with fine-motor and self-care skills, also to install aids for the home and essential places
Speech therapy to help improve communication, and possibly feeding and swallowing
Hearing, vision, and other assistance devices
Orthotic devices to improve balance and mobility
Medication to prevent pain or seizures, or to relax muscles
Surgery to improve severe cases of deformity or spasticity
Counseling for behavior or adjustment issues

Social Services can be invaluable in offering support for the child, family, and caregivers, and to offer respite when needed.


Visiting nurse services can help put together packages of care as required, and they can help parents access and coordinate services when needed.

learn about Chinese Medicine for Cerebral Palsy

What is Cerebral Palsy (CP)?

Cerebral palsy, also referred to as CP, is a term used to describe a group of chronic conditions affecting body movement and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain, usually occurring during fetal development; before, during, or shortly after birth; or during infancy. Thus, these disorders are not caused by problems in the muscles or nerves.

Instead, faulty development or damage to motor areas in the brain disrupt the brain's ability to adequately control movement and posture.

Early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before 18 months of age, and parents are often the first to suspect that their infant is not developing motor skills normally. Infants with cerebral palsy are frequently slow to reach developmental milestones, such as learning to roll over, sit, crawl, smile, or walk. This is sometimes called developmental delay.

Some affected children have abnormal muscle tone. Decreased muscle tone is called hypotonia; the baby may seem flaccid and relaxed, even floppy. Increased muscle tone is called hypertonia, and the baby may seem stiff or rigid. In some cases, the baby has an early period of hypotonia that progresses to hypertonia after the first 2 to 3 months of life. Affected children may also have unusual posture or favor one side of their body.


Parents who are concerned about their baby's development for any reason should contact their physician, who can help distinguish normal variation in development from a developmental disorder.

Is Cerebral Palsy Genetic?

Cerebral palsy is an abnormality of muscle and nerve function resulting from an injury of the brain. It can be mild, minimally affecting coordination of one hand. It can be moderate, allowing walking with limitations. And cerebral palsy can be severe, affecting the ability to speak clearly and to move the arms and legs, leaving a person dependent on a wheelchair. Associated developmental disabilities, such as low intelligence quotient, seizures, unusual movements and psychological problems, may occur as a result of the brain damage. Cerebral palsy is present at birth or shortly thereafter, which may lead people to question whether it is inherited as a genetic trait. However, it is caused by damage to a baby's brain during the mother's pregnancy or during childbirth.

Brain damage that leads to cerebral palsy can be caused by a variety of injuries. Any interference with normal growth and development of brain cells and structure -- such as serious infections, extreme nutritional deficits or unexplained fetal complications -- can be the root of cerebral palsy. Brain damage resulting from a brief lack of oxygen to a portion of the baby's brain during intrauterine development or during labor and delivery may cause cerebral palsy. Pressure directly on the brain tissue can cause bleeding in critical regions of the brain or altered growth, inhibiting normal functional development. Conditions that cause bleeding or blood clots can result in a stroke or heart attack of the fetus, resulting in brain damage that manifests as cerebral palsy.

Risk Factors of Cerebral Palsy

Mothers who suffer from physical trauma or disease during pregnancy may be at increased risk of harm to the baby, including the baby's brain. Labor and delivery that involves extreme blood loss, dangerous changes in blood pressure, severe fevers or seizures can result in high risk to the baby's brain. Severe health problems or metabolic disorders in the mother, blood incompatibility reactions, exposure to toxins or drugs of abuse, very low birth weight and prematurity can increase the chances of cerebral palsy as well.

Prevention of Cerebral Palsy

Maintaining a healthy pregnancy and good prenatal care are the best ways to minimize the risk of cerebral palsy. Mothers who have epilepsy, for example, are advised to maintain proper seizure control during pregnancy to avoid seizures, which may decrease optimal oxygen supply to the fetus. The most significant way to lower the risk of cerebral palsy is to carefully monitor the mother's health during labor and delivery and to effectively manage any complications. Avoiding recreational drugs during pregnancy, especially cocaine, is an important way to control the risk of cerebral palsy. Many cases of cerebral palsy are unexplained, however, and might not have been preventable by the mother or health-care providers.

Family Incidence for Cerebral Palsy


According to the May 2007 journal "Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology," there is a slightly increased incidence of cerebral palsy occurring among siblings -- about 1.6 percent when compared to the general population. There is no clear genetic explanation for this. It is very likely that the risk factors that may have caused cerebral palsy in one child could be repeated in subsequent pregnancies, causing this minimal increase in cerebral palsy incidence among siblings.

Early Signs of Cerebral Palsy in bodies

Cerebral palsy describes a neurological disorder in which damage to the brain affects the ability to control muscles and coordinate movement. Most cases of cerebral palsy are classified as congenital, meaning present at birth, caused by brain damage sustained during fetal development or delivery. Acquired cerebral palsy occurs from brain damage caused by infections or injury during the first few months or years of life. Although present at birth, signs of cerebral palsy may be difficult to detect, especially in mild cases, but most cases are diagnosed by the age of 1 or 2 years .

Infants with cerebral palsy exhibit developmental delays. Some fail to reach major milestones, such as rolling over, sitting up or crawling during the time frames specified by pediatricians. Although all children develop at their own pace, the inability to control the head or lift the chest up while lying on the stomach, by 5 months of age, may indicate cerebral palsy, according to the Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program. In addition, the inability to reach for, or transfer, objects from one hand to the other by 7 months of age may indicate cerebral palsy.

Some children may seem to reach developmental milestones on time, but may exhibit abnormal patterns while mastering the new skills. For example, an infant who uses only one hand when playing with a toy, or if her hand trembles while reaching for a toy, may suffer from cerebral palsy. Infants who use their hands and arms well, but drag their legs may show signs of cerebral palsy. Others learn to walk on schedule, but may walk on their tip toes, which is a sign of cerebral palsy.

Infants with cerebral palsy may exhibit hypotonia, a significant loss of muscle tone. Hypotonia makes the muscles appear loose or floppy. Hypotonia contributes to the inability to control the head and other signs of delayed development.


Cerebral palsy also causes hypertonia, which is an excessive degree of muscle tone. Infants displaying hypertonia have tight and stiff muscles that constrict movement. Signs of hypertonia include keeping the hands fisted, keeping the legs extended and crossing the legs or ankles. In addition, those infants who kick both legs in unison, instead of one at a time, may exhibit signs of cerebral palsy. Difficulty changing a diaper due to hips that are tight, making it difficult to separate the legs, is a sign of hypertonia and cerebral palsy. Hypertonia also affects the tongue, causing tongue thrusts and excessive drooling.

How to Prevent Cerebral Palsy

The cause of cerebral palsy (CP) sometimes isn't known. But links have been identified between CP and certain conditions during pregnancy, birth, and early childhood. Some of these can be prevented. Some cannot.

Before and during pregnancy
Doing all you can before and during pregnancy can help lower the risk that abrain injury will occur in a developing baby. Here are some tips for healthy habits before and during pregnancy.
Eat nutritious foods.
Don't smoke.
Avoid exposure to harmful substances.
See your doctor regularly.
For babies and young children
Help prevent CP in your young child by minimizing your child's risk for getting abrain injury.
Take steps to prevent accidents.
Make sure you are familiar with the signs of jaundice in newborns.
Know how to prevent lead poisoning.
Keep your child away from people who have serious contagious illnesses, such as meningitis.
Make sure your child's immunizations are up-to-date. For more information, see the topic Immunizations.

If your child has not been diagnosed with CP, pay attention to whether your child is reaching early developmental milestones. Report anything you notice to your doctor at regularly scheduled well-child visits or anytime you have concerns.

Cerebral Palsy in Children

Unfortunately, over the years there has not been a decline in the cases of cerebral palsy in children. Every year about 8,000 babies and infants are diagnosed with the condition. In addition, another 1,200 - 1,500 preschool age children are recognized each year to have cerebral palsy. The instance of cerebral palsy in children is rather significant, as one child in every 400 is affected. This is largely the result of the increased survival rate of premature babies due to medical advancements. However, there are several ways to prevent cerebral palsy in children and steps that can be taken from conception all the way through childbirth.

A good physician, the proper prenatal and neonatal procedures, and acknowledging the risk factors will help lower the statistics of cerebral palsy in children. A risk factor is a variable, not a cause of cerebral palsy, which, when present, increases the chance of cerebral palsy. The presence of a risk factor can be a caution for parents and physicians to be even more observant during the development of an infant when looking for cerebral palsy in children.
During the birthing process, asphyxia, or lack of oxygen, is one risk factor that can cause cerebral palsy in children. When brain cells are not getting enough oxygen due to poor circulation, they may die. About 10% of newborns known to have suffered asphyxia during birth develop cerebral palsy. A viral or bacterial infection contracted by the mother can also damage the fetal brain. Rubella, otherwise known as the German measles, toxoplasmosis (often contracted through undercooked meat), cytomegalovirus (a herpes virus), and HIV are known to cause brain-damaging infections cerebral palsy in children.
Trauma to the infant’s head due to an automobile accident, physical abuse or other such trauma to a pregnant mother or the infant can cause cerebral palsy in children as well. The diet of a pregnant mother is also the diet of the fetus and newborn. Maternal drug and alcohol use and malnutrition during pregnancy and during breastfeeding can be factors related to cerebral palsy in children.
Although usually a problem after the first-born child, Rh blood type compatibility between mother and fetus is also a cause of cerebral palsy in children. Once incompatibility is diagnosed, however, treatment procedures can prevent the mother’s immune system from attacking the child’s blood cells. Rh compatibility can also cause jaundice, a cause of cerebral palsy in children. If not caught through Rh testing, jaundice can be treated with phytotherapy, special lights that assist the infant in the breakdown of bilirubin.

Out of all diagnoses, 70% of cases of cerebral palsy in children are congenital, or present at birth. However, an additional 20% are diagnosed with congenital cerebral palsy due to a brain injury during child delivery. The additional 10% suffer from acquired cerebral palsy, which occurs in the first few months or years of life, and is usually preventable with proper delivery and childcare techniques. The increased survival rates in premature babies, due to medical advancements, have given a steady rise to the diagnosis of cerebral palsy in children. In turn, more information about the prevention of cerebral palsy in children should be considered before child conception.

Life Expectancy for Cerebral Palsy

Doctors alone are not experts on the life expectancy for adults with cerebral palsy. Only a physician is qualified to appraise the individual, and only a statistician or actuary is qualified to relate the appraisal into a life expectancy for adults with cerebral palsy. Life expectancy for adults with cerebral palsy has many factors such as the type, severity and associated disabilities as well as the quality of care. The life expectancy for adults with cerebral palsy can range from about 30 years for those with rigidity or severe spasticity associated and feeding difficulties, to 60 to 70 years for those with moderate cerebral palsy. The life expectancy for adults with cerebral palsy for those with mild disability and no associated impairments is normal compared to that of the non-disabled.

Findings from a recent study suggest that most persons with cerebral palsy will eventually suffer a decline in gross motor function, such as the ability to walk. In some instances, these musculoskeletal problems common in those with spasticity require repeated orthopedic surgeries. Keeping a patient ambulatory (able to walk) greatly increases their survival rate into the later years of life. While those retaining at least some ability to walk can expect a survival rate similar to that in the general population, this rate is much worse for those suffering from low functional ability. The key role of mobility as a predictor of survival in the elderly is consistent with research on younger persons with cerebral palsy.
The loss of the ability to walk should be considered part of the natural history of a person suffering from cerebral palsy. It is evident that therapeutic emphasis should perhaps be redirected in childhood from maximizing motor skills to more of a long-term view. Instead a more independence-oriented therapeutic approach would be appropriate in determining a mindset of long-term life. Approaches must be designed to promote muscle strengthening, avoid surgical procedures that produce muscle weakening, and promote social and independence skills and educational achievements to further the life expectancy for adults with cerebral palsy.

Foremost, consideration needs to be given to mobility whenever possible. It is important to avoid the development of muscle contractures and joint changes by the proper use of physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and medical and surgical treatments for spasticity.

Secondly, even when mobility is lost, meticulous attention to maintaining good, seated posture by the use of appropriate wheelchairs and static seating is necessary. This needs to be combined with measures to treat and reduce pain, stemming from stiffened joints. This will help to reduce the development of postural spinal scoliosis.

The third principal is maintaining good nutritional status through a high-fiber and low-fat diet. This will help to maintain continence and alleviate constipation.


It is not helpful to make generalizations on the life expectancy for adults with cerebral palsy. What matters is that they receive the appropriate health care and enjoy a satisfying range of occupational interests and social activities. The wish and will to live under these circumstances is particularly important in extending the life expectancy in adults with cerebral palsy.