Cerebral palsy is a lifelong and often all-encompassing medical condition that can affect every aspect of how a person lives. Cerebral palsy can be caused by several reasons including the brain not getting enough oxygen before, during or shortly after birth, low blood sugar in the newborn period and from kernicterus. Cerebral palsy can have a profound impact on an individual's quality of life, which is why it is vital to ensure that they have the right treatment and management. 

It's important to note that cerebral palsy cannot currently be cured, but treatment for the symptoms of cerebral palsy is nevertheless very important in making sure that the individual is able to experience the best possible quality of life. Left untreated, cerebral palsy can have a greater impact on a person's mobility, independence and overall physical health. With the right treatment plan in place, the debilitating effects of cerebral palsy may be helped.

In this guide, we will examine the various cerebral palsy treatment options available, and the ways in which they can support the health and wellbeing of those affected.

What Is the Health Impact of Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a complex neurological disorder that primarily affects movement, muscle control and coordination. The condition results from a brain injury or abnormalities in the developing brain, sometimes caused by birth injuries or complications during the birthing process that restrict the flow of oxygen.

The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary significantly from person-to-person, ranging from mild movement difficulties to severe cases where mobility and independence are profoundly affected. One of the key characteristics of cerebral palsy is its effect on muscle tone. The condition can make muscles either too tight (spastic cerebral palsy) or too loose (ataxic cerebral palsy), leading to muscle stiffness, tight muscles, and difficulties with muscle movement. Read our guide to find out more about the different types of cerebral palsy and their specific symptoms.

Cerebral palsy can impact a person's physical health in various ways:

• Motor development problems - Some individuals may struggle to control muscle movement, leading to involuntary movements, tremors or increased muscle tone. This makes everyday tasks such as walking, dressing or holding objects difficult.
• Speech and communication - Many children with cerebral palsy experience trouble communicating due to difficulties controlling the muscles in their mouth and tongue. Some benefit from speech therapy, while others may require alternative communication methods such as sign language or assistive communication devices.
• Feeding and swallowing - Problems with chewing and swallowing difficulties can lead to malnutrition and choking risks, requiring specialist treatment for feeding problems.
• Bladder and bowel control - Some individuals may experience bladder and bowel control issues, leading to incontinence or difficulty emptying the bladder/bowel.
• Vision and hearing impairments - Some people with cerebral palsy have vision problems or require hearing aids to assist with sensory impairments.
• Learning disabilities - While cerebral palsy primarily affects movement, some individuals may also experience learning difficulties, which can impact cognitive development.
• Mental health and emotional wellbeing - Living with a lifelong condition can contribute to anxiety, depression, and social isolation, making mental health support essential for improving a person’s emotional wellbeing.
• Respiratory and cardiovascular health - In some cases, cerebral palsy can lead to heart and lung disease due to difficulties with posture, muscle weakness or limited mobility, which may affect blood flow and overall health.

Every child's cerebral palsy is unique and will manifest in specific ways, which is why an individualised treatment plan is essential. The right combination of therapies, medical interventions and support services can help to improve a child’s daily functioning, enhance their independence and support their overall quality of life.

What Are the Main Treatment Options for Cerebral Palsy?

The best approach to treating cerebral palsy often involves a combination of therapies, medical treatments, and sometimes surgical interventions. Below are the primary cerebral palsy treatment options available.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy plays a central role in managing movement difficulties and improving a child’s motor skills. A physiotherapist works with the child to enhance muscle strength, flexibility and coordination. This is particularly important for individuals with spastic cerebral palsy, as it can help to reduce muscle stiffness and improve control movement, and stops muscles from shortening and losing their range of movement.

Some of the key techniques used in physiotherapy include:

• Stretching exercises - These can help to lengthen muscles, reduce tight muscles and improve flexibility.
• Strength training - This is an effective way to build muscle strength to support better posture and balance.
• Postural training - This helps with standing, sitting and walking posture, reducing the risk of spinal cord complications.
• Assistive devices - Walkers, braces and orthotic supports may be recommended to aid mobility and lessen pain associated with abnormal gait patterns.

Physiotherapy is often introduced early in childhood to help children with cerebral palsy develop motor skills and remain as active as possible, improving the child's health and personal development. However, the level of physiotherapy required by a child with cerebral play is not usually provided by the NHS, and families must either pay privately or enrol their child with a charity that can provide this. 

Speech and language therapy

Children with cerebral palsy who are having trouble communicating can benefit significantly from speech therapy, also known as language therapy, which helps to improve communication abilities through a variety of techniques. These include:

• Articulation exercises - To help improve speech clarity and pronunciation.
• Breathing and vocal exercises – To strengthen the muscles involved in speech production.
• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices – These can range from picture boards to high-tech voice-generating devices, assisting those who are non-verbal.
• Sign language – Some children may benefit from learning sign language to communicate more effectively.

Speech therapy can be especially beneficial in improving social interactions and a child’s independence. Speech and language therapists can also address feeding difficulties. 

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy helps individuals develop the skills necessary for daily activities, such as dressing, eating and personal care. Occupational therapists assess a person’s specific needs and recommend interventions to enhance a child’s daily functioning.

Some common occupational therapy techniques include:

• Adaptive equipment – Using modified utensils, dressing aids and assistive devices to help with everyday tasks.
• Hand-eye coordination exercises – Improving muscle control for tasks like writing or using buttons and zips.
• Sensory integration therapy – Supporting individuals who have difficulty processing sensory information, such as touch or sound.

By working with an occupational therapist, children with cerebral palsy can improve their ability to complete everyday tasks, giving them the tools and capabilities they need to handle the day-to-day challenges posed by life with cerebral palsy.

Occupational therapists can also advise adults with cerebral palsy on the more administrative aspects of independent living, including advice on housing, jobseeking, and applying for benefits and assistive technologies.

Medication

In some cases, medications are prescribed to help manage symptoms such as muscle tightness, pain and seizures. The type of drug treatments used will depend on the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the individual.

Common medications for cerebral palsy treatment include:

• Muscle relaxants such as baclofen or diazepam, which help to relax muscles and reduce muscle stiffness.
• Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, which are used to temporarily reduce tight muscles, especially in spastic cerebral palsy.
• Anti-seizure medications may be prescribed for individuals who experience epilepsy alongside cerebral palsy.
• Pain relief medications to treat pain caused by stiff muscles or joint problems.

While medication can be effective in managing symptoms, it is often combined with physiotherapy and other treatments for the best results.

Surgical options

For individuals with severe mobility challenges, surgery may be considered to improve muscle control, reduce muscle tightness, and correct bone or joint deformities.

Common surgical treatments for cerebral palsy include:

• Selective dorsal rhizotomy - A procedure that targets the spinal cord to reduce excessive muscle stiffness in spastic cerebral palsy.
• Orthopaedic surgery - Used to correct joint deformities and curvature of the spine, repair dislocated hip joints, straighten limbs or lengthen muscles to improve movement.

Surgical interventions are usually considered when other treatments have not been effective, and when a child’s quality of life can be significantly improved.

You can find out more about the various available treatments for cerebral palsy on the NHS website.

What Treatments Are Available for Cerebral Palsy-Related Conditions?

In addition to difficulties with muscle movement, many individuals with cerebral palsy experience additional health challenges that require targeted treatments. Addressing these conditions is essential for improving a child’s daily functioning and overall emotional wellbeing:

Treatment for feeding problems

Many children with cerebral palsy have difficulty chewing and swallowing due to weak oral muscles and muscle tightness in the mouth and throat. This can lead to swallowing difficulties, poor nutrition, and an increased risk of choking or aspiration (food entering the airway). Treatment options focus on ensuring safe and effective feeding, including:

• Speech and language therapy - A speech therapist can work with individuals to improve their swallowing function and help strengthen the muscles used for eating and drinking.
• Modified diets - Soft or pureed foods, thickened liquids, and specialised feeding techniques can make eating safer and more manageable.
• Feeding tubes - In severe cases where eating and drinking pose serious risks, a gastrostomy tube (PEG) may be inserted directly into the stomach to provide nutrition without the need for swallowing.

Treatments for drooling

In cases of cerebral palsy, children will sometimes experience excessive drooling (sialorrhoea), particularly those with limited muscle control in the mouth and face. While drooling itself is not harmful, it can cause discomfort, skin irritation and social challenges. Treatments may include:

• Speech and language therapy - This form of training can also provide exercises to improve oral muscle control and swallowing.
• Medication - Certain drug treatments, such as anticholinergic medications, can reduce saliva production.
• Botox injections - These may be used to temporarily reduce saliva production in cases where drooling is severe, for a few months at a time.
• Surgical options - In extreme cases, surgery may be considered to reduce salivary gland activity. Surgery can redirect the saliva glands so saliva runs towards the back of the mouth, rather than the front.

Managing drooling effectively improves hygiene and comfort, with a significant positive impact on the child’s quality of life.

Mental health support

Living with a lifelong condition like cerebral palsy can have a significant impact on a person's emotional wellbeing. Many individuals experience anxiety, depression and social isolation, particularly if their symptoms affect their ability to communicate or engage in everyday activities. Support for mental health includes:

• Counselling and therapy - Accessing a psychologist, counsellor or mental health professional can help individuals cope with stress, anxiety or feelings of isolation.
• Support groups - Joining support groups for individuals with cerebral palsy and their families provides a sense of community and shared understanding.
• Recreational therapy - Engaging in hobbies, sports and social activities tailored for people with disabilities can improve confidence and mental health. Learn more about the beneficial aspects of taking part in sport for people with cerebral palsy.

Mental health support is a vital aspect of treatment for cerebral palsy, helping those affected to address any issues of mental wellbeing that may be an issue, and improving their overall standard of living.

Find Out More

Cerebral palsy is a complex condition that affects each person differently, meaning that no two treatment plans will be the same.

If you would like to learn more about cerebral palsy, the following resources may be helpful:

• What Causes Cerebral Palsy? - An overview of the potential causes and risk factors of cerebral palsy
• Cerebral Palsy Baby Symptoms - Information on the early signs of cerebral palsy and how the condition is diagnosed in infancy.
• Cerebral Palsy and Accommodation - Guidance on adapting living spaces to support children with cerebral palsy.

Take a look at JMW’s Cerebral Palsy Hub for expert legal support and advice for families affected by cerebral palsy. If you need further guidance or legal support related to cerebral palsy and medical negligence, our specialist team is here to help - call us on 0345 872 6666, or fill in our online contact form to request a call back.