Question
A friend’s child has fallen ill, constantly drooling and frequently laughing, as if there’s a problem with the nervous system. The hospital says it’s cerebral palsy. Because of this illness, the friend is extremely worried and hopes the child’s condition can be alleviated. What are the treatment options for pediatric cerebral palsy?
Answer
Cerebral palsy has a high incidence rate before or during infancy. The causes include congenital injury, neonatal cerebellar nucleus, brain hypoxia; preterm birth. The main symptoms are increased muscle tone and difficulty with fixation. In severe cases, muscle stiffness, spasms, and joint retention in flexed positions can be observed. In milder cases, there may be weak hand movements and difficulty in walking where the heel cannot touch the ground. These patients often have language development issues, speech disorders, and strabismus. About one-third of patients have varying degrees of seizures and intellectual disability. The best advice is to undergo rehabilitation training under a doctor’s guidance.