Cerebral Palsy

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Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects the ability to move in a co-ordinated and balanced way. Damage to the movement control centers of the brain during pregnancy/ childbirth or after birth can cause restriction on muscle tone, movement, and motor skills. The condition is not contagious and is diagnosed at an early age. There is no complete cure for this medical condition but with proper treatment techniques and special equipments, the child is enabled to live in a better mobility condition.
The three types of Cerebral palsy and are classified as:

• Spastic cerebral palsy causing muscle stiffness and movement restriction.
• Athetoid cerebral palsy causes involuntary and uncontrolled movements.
• Ataxic cerebral palsy causes a distressed balance and depth insight.

Cerebral palsy causes difficulty even in standing still due to lack of muscle control and co-ordination. In more severe cases, the condition also affects the muscles that take part in vital body functions like breathing, bladder and bowel control. The severity of the condition depends on the extent of the damage to the brain.

Causes of Cerebral palsy

Problems during pregnancy and genetics are considered as the main cause for Cerebral palsy. Various issues during pregnancy period including infections, maternal health issues, an incident that interferes with normal brain development of the fetus, complication during labor and delivery can cause Cerebral palsy. Complication after childbirth including premature babies weighing less than 1,500 grams has a higher risk of developing cerebral palsy. Brain damage leading to poisoning, bacterial meningitis, malnutrition, or an accident also accounts to the cause of Cerebral palsy.

Symptoms of Cerebral palsy

Movement and co-ordination issues are the major symptoms with cerebral palsy affecting one or both sides of the body. Associated symptoms include:

• Muscle stiffness and rigidity
• Lack of muscle coordination and involuntary movements
• Delays in motor skills like sitting up or crawling
• Difficulty in walking
• Problems with sucking and swallowing
• Delays in speech development
• Difficulty with precise motions, such as picking up a crayon or spoon
• Difficulty with vision and hearing
• Mental health conditions
• Urinary incontinence

Diagnosis

Cerebral palsy is diagnosed at early stages of an infant while assessing the developmental and neurological conditions addressing any developmental delays or problems with muscle function. Neuro-imaging with CT or MRI scan is recommended for complete diagnosis.

Ayurveda Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

Ayurvedic management involves treatment methods to improve the motor functions of the child to get better quality of life. Overall goal of treatment procedure helps the child to achieve better potential in physical, mental, and social life and optimal independence.

At Ayur Bethaniya Ayurveda Hospital, treatment method for treating cerebral palsy involves Ayurvedic treatments as well as Physiotherapy. Ayurvedic treatments include special Panchakarma therapy program along with Abhyanga swedam, Nasyam, Pichu, Shirodhara, Pizhichil, Njavara or mamsakizhi, Vasti and herbal decoctions. The duration of therapy depends on the severity of the condition and requires repetitions to yield great benefit and long term support for the affected child. To know more about cerebral palsy treatment options, book an appointment now.