According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS), many children suffer from cerebral palsy because of irregular brain development in their early years, which is why scientists are examining and learning about how neurons in the brain form different connections with other neurons, along with ways that prevent the disruption of the normal connecting process. Other methods of their research involve genetics. Another possible contributor to cerebral palsy in children is the genetic disposition for it, which can sometimes be partially responsible for the brain malfunctions and abnormalities that come with cerebral palsy. Scientists are taking DNA samples from patients that have cerebral palsy, then analyzing these samples to see if it’s possible to draw any conclusions between certain genes and cerebral palsy. This analysis is done with gene imaging technology, which helps to draw connections between genes and specific types of abnormalities. Another use of similar imaging technology is to detect early signs of cerebral palsy during prenatal pregnancy, which helps doctors and scientists identify children that are potentially at risk of having cerebral palsy before they’re even born.
Methods of treatment for cerebral palsy differ and are sorted into two categories for the most part: therapy and medication. One of the most promising forms of treatment for the disease at this time is known as Constraint-induced therapy, or CIT for short. Basically, this form of therapy involves handicapping the patient's “stronger” side (for example, if the patient suffers from cerebral palsy on their left arm, their right arm would be restricted during CIT) and then asking them to perform daily tasks using their weaker side. This pushes patients to exercise their weaker side, helping them gain more control over it in the process. This treatment can continue for several weeks, allowing the patient to build up muscle and control over their cerebral palsy stricken muscles over time. Medication injections are another form of treatment for cerebral palsy, with the most common one being a Botox injection. Recently, the NICHD has been researching the effects botox has when it is used in conjunction with a less traditional form of treatment. This other method involves vibrating the bones of children with cerebral palsy, and this treatment is being used with Botox. A few more less traditional forms of cerebral palsy treatment include systemic hypothermia and Functional electrical stimulation (FES). The names of these treatments basically explain the treatment itself, but to further elaborate systemic hypothermia is used to treat prenatal children that could potentially have cerebral palsy by putting the child through cold temperatures in hopes of stunning the development of the cerebral palsy activity in the child’s brain. FES uses small electric currents to stimulate muscle movement, which helps strengthen that muscle.
APA Format Citation:
NINDS. (2013, July). Cerebral palsy: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Retrieved October 15, 2021, from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Cerebral-Palsy-Hope-Through-Research.
