Question
How should pediatric cerebral palsy be treated?
Answer
Cerebral palsy refers to a non-progressive central nervous system disorder that occurs due to brain damage or abnormal brain development from birth to one month after birth. Therapists should develop family training programs for the child and their parents, focusing on improving function and preventing secondary injuries. For children with particularly severe conditions, promoting care and reducing the burden on the family should be the primary goal. Treatment plans typically include: understanding the child’s condition and daily life arrangements; targeted muscle strength and joint movement training; diaphragmatic stretching; enhanced training for functional activities; and the use of orthopedic devices, chairs, standing frames, wheelchairs, and other assistive tools. These are some strategies for addressing the needs of children with cerebral palsy.