Question

The baby is almost ready for kindergarten. Yet, he still walks unsteadily, falls easily, moves slowly, speaks with unclear articulation. He doesn’t smile much, has a vacant gaze, and is intellectually underdeveloped. The parents are very worried. After going to the hospital for a check-up, the baby was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Can cerebral palsy in children be cured?

Answer

Cerebral palsy is indeed a terrifying disease. However, some hospitals may instill unrealistic hopes in parents, making them believe that cerebral palsy can be cured in the 21st century. In reality, there is no complete cure for cerebral palsy yet; only the symptoms can be improved. Therefore, some medical treatments may waste time and money, and the child may miss out on compulsory education. Nonetheless, cerebral palsy can be treated, with both traditional Chinese and Western medicine available for treatment. For children with cerebral palsy, it is important to keep warm, wear soft and comfortable clothes, maintain a quiet and clean room, and open windows for ventilation regularly. Most cerebral palsy patients experience chewing and swallowing difficulties and often drool, which can severely affect the first step of food digestion. It is recommended to go to a specialized hospital for examination as soon as possible.