Treatment Options for Severe Spasticity Due to Cerebral Palsy 

People with cerebral palsy can treat their spasticity many ways: rehabilitation, medication, injection therapy, even surgery. There is also an implantable drug pump, which can be helpful for reducing severe spasticity and enabling some patients to live a fuller, more active life.

There is currently no cure for severe spasticity. However, there are a number of therapy options available for managing your symptoms. They include:

Rehabilitation Therapy

Rehabilitation therapy usually takes place in a clinic, a hospital, or at home. It can include any combination of physical, occupational, or speech therapy.

Oral Medication

Oral medications may help some people control the symptoms of spasticity. Effective spasticity management may require the use of two or more drugs, or a combination of oral medications with another type of therapy.

Neurosurgeries

Neurodestructive surgical procedures include selective dorsal rhizotomy, in which the dorsal (sensory) nerve roots are severed. Operations involving the nervous system (neurosurgery) and the bones, tendons, and muscles (orthopaedic surgery) are both used to treat spasticity and, in properly selected patients, can play a very important role in the management of chronic spasticity.

Injection Therapy

Injection therapy is usually intended for specific muscle groups (for example, one hand, one foot, one shoulder). Injection therapy involves the local injection of drugs to weaken or paralyse overactive muscles, and can form part of an overall management program for isolated spasticity.

Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopaedic surgeries include soft tissue procedures like tendon transfers and osteotomies (cutting a bone to change its alignment). Operations involving the nervous system (neurosurgery) and the bones, tendons, muscles (orthopaedic surgery) are both used to treat spasticity and, in properly selected patients, can play a very important role in the management of chronic spasticity.

Intrathecal Baclofen Pump

An intrathecal baclofen pump, also called ITB Therapy (intrathecal baclofen therapy) is an adjustable, reversible treatment for severe spasticity. A surgically placed pump and catheter deliver a medication called baclofen directly to the fluid around the spinal cord, where it’s needed most.

Next: About ITB Therapy