Management of Cerebral Palsy
We offer integrated treatment for most of the neurological disorders including cerebral palsy. The treatment is planned after a thorough multidisciplinary evaluation.
1. Neurological Evaluation
Clinical Diagnosis
Children with CP are often referred to us for delayed motor or global development. If there is motor delay it is often picked up in the infancy. Cerebral palsy is a static condition due to perinatal insult to the brain in the form of hypoxia, hypoglycemia or some other insult. But since the child is developing it leads to dynamic manifestations. The role of neurologist is to establish diagnosis of the condition and the etiology (cause). Sometimes, the child may have a treatable metabolic disorder which may mimic CP. The identification of such conditions is crucial and may have treatment to cure the condition. with Children with CP often have many associated problems like seizures, contractures, vision & hearing impairment, intellectual disorder, autism & nutritional deficiencies.
Neurophysiological Tests
Many children will need various neurophysiological tests like EEG (if history of seizures, jerks or excessive startle), BERA/ OAE (if history of neonatal jaundice, NICU stay or hearing deficits) or VEP (if vision is affected). These tests help to confirm the diagnosis and help in guiding treatment. The neurologist will interpret the tests.
Medical & rehabilitative Management
- The neurologist will make decisions regarding medical treatment like antiepileptic drugs for epilepsy, ant spasticity medications and any more if necessary.
- In addition, the neurologist will also guide the parents regarding need for neurorehabilitation like physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition & counselling.
- Appropriate referrals to co-consultants is another responsibility he shoulders.
2. Neurorehabilitation
Physiotherapy
It is often long term and need parent participation so giving home program, offering parent education and counselling is integral part of our management.
Occupational Therapy
Some children have additional sensory issues, they may need sensory integration program which can be given by occupational therapy. Role of occupational therapist and physiotherapist is often interchangeable.
Communication & Speech Therapy
Due to hypoxic damage to the brain peri-rolandic areas get damaged leading to affection of oro-motor movements. This can affect production of speech. Children with spastic CP due to associated pseudobulbar palsy can have speech and communication issues. Under stimulation also contributes to the delay.
3. Orthopedic Evaluation
Some children need orthopedic referrals for correction of spasticity by giving BOTOX or correction of deformities by surgery.
4. Ophthalmic Evaluation
Some children need ophthalmic referrals for evaluation of vision, corrective advice for squint and detection of cerebral visual injury if any. Surgery may also be required in some children.
5. Nutritional Advice
6. Parent Education, Counselling & Support Group Meetings
7. Scheme for Financial Assistance
- Bank account (Joint account with parent)
- Disability certificate issued from the District Hospital or appropriate Government authority.
- Address Proof.
- One Passport size photograph of the Special Need person.
- BPL card, if applicable.
- Income certificate (Latest IT return, or Income certificate from Tehsildar).
- Proof of payment of applicable fee (Bank receipt).
- Bank details for settlement of claims.
The applicant is required to submit the duly filled in enrolment form to the registered NGO, along with the following documents: