Treatments for Cerebral Palsy

The goal of treatment is to improve limitations and prevent complications. Treatment
may include assistive aids, medications, and surgery.

Assistive aids

• eyeglasses
• hearing aids
• walking aids
• body braces
• wheelchairs

Medications
Oral anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants are commonly used as first-line treatments for
CP. Doctors might prescribe:

• diazepam (Valium)
• dantrolene (Dantrium)
• baclofen
• tizanidine (Zanaflex)

Doctor might also suggest local injections of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) or
intrathecal baclofen therapy, where the drug is delivered by an implantable pump.

Surgery

Orthopedic surgery may be used to relieve pain and improve mobility. It may also be
needed to release tight muscles or to correct bone abnormalities caused by spasticity.
Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) might be recommended as a last resort to reduce
chronic pain or spasticity. It involves cutting nerves near the base of the spinal column.

Other treatment

• speech therapy
• physical therapy
• occupational therapy
• recreational therapy
• counseling or psychotherapy
• social services consultations

Although stem cell therapy is being explored as a potential treatment for CP, research is
still in the early stages.