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2012年7月15日 星期日

Cerebral Palsy Therapies


A child with cerebral palsy will have a group of neurological disorders that are caused due to injuries in the brain. Along with the condition that the child suffers from, it will also give rise to many secondary disorders like difficulty in seeing, hearing, talking, feeding, toileting, walking and many more. All these conditions have to be treated on time with the help of therapies and exercises that will develop the child's ability to perform his daily activities independently. There are many therapies that can be performed on the child like speech and language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, drug therapy and sensory integration therapy.

A physical therapist will try framing cerebral palsy training to the child to improve the development of large muscles like legs, arms and abdomen. These therapists will help children to learn better ways to move and balance, thus enabling them to develop their motor skills. They will also help children to learn using the wheelchair or stand by themselves or go up and down the stairs safely. Physical therapists will try adding a fun quotient too by making children run, kick, throw or ride a bike too! This therapy usually begins in the first few years soon after the diagnosis to prevent any musculoskeletal complications like weakening or deterioration of muscles.

An occupational therapist will help the child to improve development of small muscles of the body like hands, feet, face, fingers and toes. These therapists will teach the children to perform their daily activities like dressing, eating and making sure that they are properly positioned in wheelchairs. Besides, they also teach children easier and better ways to write, draw, dress and feed themselves and also how to cut with scissors and brush their teeth. Occupational therapy aims at providing the right special equipment that will make the day to day activities of a child easier and simpler.

A speech and language therapist will help develop better control of the jaw and muscles so that the child can see improvement in speech and language skills as well as eating abilities. They also help developing creative communication methods for those who cannot speak. Hence, a speech and language therapist will develop a child's communication skills by means of talking, using sign language or communication aid. For all those children who are able to talk, the speech therapist will help making their language clearer or building their language skills by learning new words, learning to speak in sentences or improving their listening skills. For children who cannot talk, they can learn sign language and use special equipment like a computer that talks to them.

The degree of severity of the condition varies in children and treatment is based accordingly. Since no two children will suffer the same disabilities, the consultation of a doctor and proper diagnosis before beginning the treatment is essential. Once the exact problem is determined, the therapists can form a cerebral palsy fitness program that will suit the special needs of your child and help overcoming their difficulties.








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2012年5月8日 星期二

Cerebral Palsy Training - Therapies and Surgery


Children with cerebral palsy suffer from many disorders that make their daily activities a challenging task. Since each child will suffer a different amount of disabilities, the treatment will be done accordingly. There are many treatments available for a child like speech and language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, drug therapy, sensory integration therapy and many more. Since no two children will have the same severity, these therapies will be customized for every individual. However, most of the children will suffer from movement problems, hence developing motor skills will form an important part of any program that is designed for the child.

The treatment involves a team approach and includes the consulting doctor, nurse, caretaker and all the therapists who will work together to help your child overcome all these difficulties and train them to become independent eventually. The therapists play a vital role here since they will be spending maximum time with your child to train them in intensive programs that involves cerebral palsy exercises. These special exercises will primarily aim to develop the child's movement, balance and posture. Generally, it is considered better to take your child to a doctor once you see symptoms because this condition is irreversible and there is no permanent cure. Moreover, the condition of the child can either improve or worsen over time depending on the treatment. Hence, therapy should be started at an early age so that appropriate diagnosis can be done to treat the condition.

There are many benefits that the cerebral palsy therapies can offer. These include fewer movement limitations, better postures, better muscle development and better abilities in toileting, feeding and dressing themselves. Furthermore, these programs enhance the child's abilities to do things that would have otherwise seemed impossible. Besides, they add a lot of fun and hope in every child and give them an opportunity to see other children who are like them.

Sometimes, if therapies cannot do much help to the child, then surgery might be recommended. Surgery is done mostly to correct contractures, reduce spasticity in the legs and improve muscle development. If you are opting for a surgery, then it is necessary that you discuss with the doctor about issues like their long term effects, the risks involved and postoperative follow up. Besides, always take a second opinion on the same to avoid any miss-happenings. For conditions such as abnormal walking on toes that indicate a tight heel cord, then surgery may correct it by lengthening the tendon. By doing this, the child will improve his ability to walk, balance and prevent further deformity. Surgery can also be performed to relieve spasticity in the legs and hips of patients by identifying the sensory nerve fibers behind the spinal cord and selectively cutting it.

Many times surgeries are not recommended, but there are instances when it has to be used so that the child can achieve his optimal level of functioning. Hence, cerebral palsy training with the help of exercises and therapies should be included in the child's day to day activities to reduce the chances of opting for a surgery.








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2012年3月2日 星期五

Therapies for Cerebral Palsy


A child with cerebral palsy will have a group of neurological disorders that are caused due to injuries in the brain. Along with the condition that the child suffers from, it will also give rise to many secondary disorders like difficulty in seeing, hearing, talking, feeding, toileting, walking and many more. All these conditions have to be treated on time with the help of therapies and exercises that will develop the child's ability to perform his daily activities independently. There are many therapies that can be performed on the child like speech and language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, drug therapy and sensory integration therapy.

Children with cerebral palsy can be easily affected with seizures which is a secondary disorder that is very common in this condition. For this reason, the child's doctor would prescribe drugs that will control seizures associated with cerebral palsy. There are many types of seizures and there is no one drug to cure them. Hence, for various types of seizures, different drugs will be prescribed such as Tegretol, Dilantin and Phenobarbital. Drug therapy can also reduce spasticity associated with cerebral palsy and drugs for this include Diazepam, Baclofen ad Dantrolene. Drug therapy cannot completely correct the complications associated with cerebral palsy but it will help manage these problems. However, consulting a physician to find out about the drug therapy is very necessary.

To help achieve optimal level of functioning, sensory integration therapy can be used. This therapy will help overcome problems experienced by children in absorbing and processing sensory information. When these abilities are improved, it in turn improves balance and steady movement. The therapy will include stimulating touch sensations and pressures on different parts of the child's body. The therapy will motivate children to learn sequences of movements with the help of Styrofoam, chips, water or textured toys.

Sometimes, because of the muscle problems that the children with cerebral palsy face, the doctor or therapist can recommend special equipment that will help them to do daily activities. Most of the times, a wheelchair is recommended when the child cannot walk. Children will be trained to use their arms to roll the wheels of their child themselves so that they can move around without difficulty. There are wheelchairs that have a motor which will move the wheels of the child too. In these, there will be a joystick that the child can operate. Some children with cerebral palsy will be able to walk but have poor balance. For these children, a walker can be given to go around instead of wheelchair. A walker will be made of light metal and is adjustable in height. It can also have a basket in which the child can put his belongings.

Because of the motor problems that are often associated with cerebral palsy, children will find problems in eating too. Sometimes they won't even be able to talk. To help with all this, special utensils that can provide grip and meet the special requirements of the child can be used while feeding and communication aid can be used help the child understand or talk. Regardless, it is important that certain amounts of training with cerebral palsy is taking place.








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2012年2月29日 星期三

Toy Ideas for Children with Cerebral Palsy and Special Needs


One of the more common problems with mainstream toys is that they are meant to be used with two hands- often times children with cerebral palsy will have limited use of one side of the body or the use of only one hand.

Toys should be fun and children should have a feeling of accomplishment or success when playing- not frustrated or reminded of what they cannot do.

Many of the commercial toys on the market can be adapted or used by children with cerebral palsy.

There are many toys that you can buy at any toy store or department store that are affordable and fun to use. Look for toys that can be used with one hand.

Musical instruments are great for this- a trumpet, harmonica, xylophone or maracas. These also develop a sense of cause and effect with young children and help controlled movement with older children.

Magnetic type toys are all the rage and a big hit with kids of all ages- there are tons of magnetic toys available in many forms- magnetic jig saw puzzles, magnetic construction toys and magnetic marbles.

A simple ball is a lot of fun and great for developing coordination- get a neat ball that glows in the dark, flashes lights or play music when you roll it.

Toys or play that involve the senses will help with sensory integration development.

Sand and water are great for this. You can also fill a empty dish pan with uncooked rice- a great makeshift sand box for a rainy day.

A tip to avoid sand box mess: put the sandbox on cement blocks- will be at waist level and kids won't get sand in all their clothes.

Toys that help with coordination and controlled movement are also a good choice.

Bowls filled with beads, beans or jelly beans are good for sorting, counting and grouping. Excellent for controlled movement.

Building blocks- simple wooden blocks, large dominoes for stacking also help with controlled movement. Also try empty milk cartons for stacking.

Play-doh is always a favorite- make your own play-doh and use Kool-Aid to not only color it but give it a fruity scent. Your child will be developing sensory awareness and visual motor integration skills as he plays.

Keep a box around filled with wheeled toys. Toy trucks and cars of all sizes. These deal with non-verbal expression, problem solving and self-control.

Keep toys in site so your child can see what available- avoid opaque containers and lids. Baskets are great for this.

You can find many toys in local stores and make your own from even around your house without having to spend a lot of money on adaptive or special needs toys. Mainstream toys help with developmental skills such as cognitive awareness, controlled movement and coordination- and don't forget they are fun!




LJ Stewart is homeschool mom and freelance writer. She has special interest in providing support to families coping with cerebral palsy and preventable birth injuries.





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2012年2月27日 星期一

Overcoming the Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy Cognitive Impairment


Cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by injury to the parts of the brain that control movements in the muscles. It is commonly thought that kids with cerebral palsy will also suffer from cognitive impairment or mental retardation (I hate that word). But this simply isn't true. Statistics show that only 65% of kids with CP will also suffer some form of cognitive impairment.

Cognitive impairment is caused by damage to the parts of the brain that relate to learning and not by damage to the areas of the brain that control muscle movement. Just because a child has CP doesn't automatically mean they will experience cognitive impairment of learning difficulties. Learning difficulties as a result of cerebral palsy is most common in children with spastic quadriplegia.

How CP is caused is still a bit of a mystery and many parents find themselves frustrated at the lack of answers to their questions of 'how did this happen?' I certainly did. My baby was full term, ticked all the boxes at his various pre-birth checks and yet was diagnosed with right sided hemiplegia at 4 months.

According to scientific studies, babies whose mothers are older than thirty-five years old are susceptible to this condition. Complications during pregnancy can also lead to the development of this condition. Mothers who have suffered from herpes-type viruses and German measles will have more chances of causing severe brain damage to the brains of their unborn children. Birth canal infections and the usage of hormones during pregnancy can also lead to cerebral palsy.

Alcohol and drug abuse during pregnancy can also lead to cognitive impairment. Some prescription medications can also lead to foetal damage. Difficult labour, maternal infections, and other complications during childbirth can also lead to serious conditions like brain damage and cerebral palsy.

And you know what? Sometimes you did all that you could do to avoid any of the possible causes I've mentioned and your child still has cerebral palsy. That's the way it is sometimes.

Taking care of children with cerebral palsy
If your child is suffering from cerebral palsy, you have to pay attention to his cognitive and emotional needs. A long-term treatment method can hone your child's potentials and give him the chance to lead a normal life. Here are some of the most common methods used for easing the symptoms of cerebral palsy.

Speech therapy can improve your child's speech problems while helping him overcome the various challenges in his speech patterns. Start improving his ability to speak by giving him a wide array of stimulating activities. Once you have improved his speech, his ability to eat may also increase as he gains a level of mastery of the muscles in the mouth.

Physical therapy is also an element in caring for children with cerebral palsy. Start developing your child's muscles and coordination at a young age. This can decrease his dependence on various mobility aids and give him the freedom to do easy tasks without your help. Early therapy can also prevent his muscles from being permanently immobile and rigid.

You can also engage your child in vision and hearing therapy sessions in order to help him overcome the symptoms of cognitive impairment. Hearing aids can give your child the chance to interact better with other people.

Sensory integration therapy is also a popular method used in caring for children with cerebral palsy. This approach can help your children reach his potentials by overcoming the problems affecting his capability to absorb and to process sensory stimuli. Aside from improving your child's cognitive condition, this natural approach can also improve their steady movement. Sensory integration therapy includes activities for stimulating the kinaesthetic sensations through tangible items. Water, textured toys, and Styrofoam are only some of the items used for this therapeutic approach.

Caring for a child with cerebral palsy is hard work and can often be frustrating if you don't see signs of improvement. But remember that your love is what your child needs the most as you face the on going challenges in overcoming the symptoms of cerebral palsy cognitive impairment.




My son was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 4 months. He's 8 now and whilst life is still a struggle for us both, I sometimes think I'm the one who has a harder time coping with his CP than he does. If you'd like more information on cerebral palsy and the brain then please visit the blog I've made to share information on CP: KidsWithCerebralPalsy.com. If you are the parent of a child with CP, my thoughts are with you.





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2012年2月4日 星期六

Cerebral Palsy Therapy


There are many forms of physical Cerebral Palsy therapy that can help reduce the disabilities associated with this disorder. Each person with Cerebral Palsy will often need a specialized kind of therapy.

The Maribelle exercise assist system, otherwise known as the MEAS is one option that people with Cerebral Palsy may be interested in and has had very beneficial results.

The MEAS is an exerciser that is suspended from the ceiling with a body support. This allows people that have little or no use of their legs to actually be put in an upright position (supported standing), or a sitting position where they can move or move with assistance. For example, swinging.

The benefits of this are many, including much enjoyment for the user just from being in an upright position, or from the swinging and other possible movements. Remarkably, the movements in the MEAS result in LESS spasticity! 3 to 5 minutes of gentle bouncing, followed by swinging, invariably will relax tight elbow joints and clenched hands will open up. The Neurophysiological reasons for this change have been well documented in research studies about using rebounders.

Progressive treatment goals, which have been achieved in varying degrees by the regular use of the MEAS in an eight week or longer program include:

1. Eye contact, tracking, eye-hand coordination, focusing, dramatically improved vision.

2. Increased attention span, improved learning skills.

3. Social awareness, interaction with peers, self confidence

4. Vocalization, improved speech.

5. Independent purposeful movement, muscle development.

6. Head Control, trunk balance, independent righting.

7. Improved circulation, improved bowel function.

8. Reduction in flexon spasticity, relaxed open hands.

9. Reduction in extension spasticity, less startle reflex

10. Release of frustration, improved morale, enjoyment.

11. Easier to feed after exercise, better appetite

12. Self feeding, finger foods, spoon, fork.

13. Desensitization of skin areas, particularly the soles of the feet, starting by letting the user splash their feet in warm water, shaving foam etc.

14. Crawling, independent mobility, knee walking, running.

15. Reduction of Athetoid movements allowing the person to control their electric wheel chair independently after exercising in MEAS

Therapists have reported that clients who were fearful when they were placed in a hammock are much less afraid of doing Sensory Integration and Vestibular Stimulation techniques using MEAS.

Meas is used for

* Sensory integration

* Vestibular stimulation

* Gait training

* Desensitizing soles of feet

* Occupying a child while tube feeding to distract the child from yanking tubes

* Encouraging weight bearing in hypertonic children

* Allows wheelchair-bound adults to move in upright position.

* Early recovery periods after injuries

Besides Cerebral Palsy, the Maribelle exercise assist system will also be of benefit for people with

* Low muscle tone

* Poor balance

* Spastic cerebral palsy (CP)

* Impaired vision/blindness

* Fearfulness & insecurity

* Sensory deprivation

* Hemiplegia

* Athetoid cerebral palsy (CP)

* Congenital dislocated hips

* Leg length discrepancy

* Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)

* Limited motor abilities

* Failure to thrive

* Poor head control

* Hyposensitive vestibular systems

* Cerebral cortical atrophy

* Hydrocephaly

* Agenisis of corpus collosum

* Microcephalic

* Developmental delay

* Intractable seizure condition

* Epilepsy

* CDH (congenital diaphragmatic hernia)

* Deafness

* Scoliosis.




Grace Hope writes for her website http://www.cerebralpalsytherapymeasexerciser.com

She owns and operates the website Merry Muscles Baby Bouncer





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