Cerebral Palsy Medications

No two cases of cerebral palsy are alike nor can they be treated in exactly the same way. There are no hard and fast rules for treating cerebral palsy. Different symptoms of cerebral palsy and problems require different treatments. When treating this condition, a doctor must assess each individual and determine whether cerebral palsy medications, various types of therapies, or a combination of treatments will best suit their patient's needs.

Medications for cerebral palsy — Different symptoms of cerebral palsy and problems require different treatments.

Muscle Relaxants and Cerebral Palsy

Muscle relaxants are often used to treat people with cerebral palsy. They are often chosen as the first option to relax muscles that are stiff and contracted. Sometimes they have unpleasant side effects. The most common side effects would include drowsiness and upset stomach. Cerebral palsy medications in this category would include diazepam, dantrlene, baclofen and tizanidine. These can all be taken orally, but baclofen can also be given via a pump that is inserted in the abdomen.

BOTOX® Injections and Cerebral Palsy

While most commonly thought of as a plastic surgery option, people have used BOTOX® injections to treat cerebral palsy for some time. BOTOX® treatment works because it relaxes the muscles in the injection zones. This helps relieve muscle spasms and contractures in cerebral palsy patients.

BOTOX® injections are made directly into the muscles that are problematic. They only affect the muscles that are injected. Generally, BOTOX® injections are considered to be safe. However, in very rare cases, BOTOX® injections may lead to problems with swallowing or breathing. This is a rare side effect that occurs most commonly in children with cerebral palsy. Be sure to consult your physician so you understand the potential risks involved in this treatment.

Anticonvulsants / Anticholinergics and Cerebral Palsy Anticonvulsants and anticholinergics are both specific drug types that can be used to treat specific problems with certain cerebral palsy patients.

Anticonvulsants are used to treat people who have seizures. Some prescribed would include gabapentin, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate and zonisamide.

Anticholinergics treat people who have uncontrolled body movements and or frequent drooling. Some prescribed for cerebral palsy would include benztropine mesylate, carbidopa-levodopa, glycopyrrolate, procyclidine hydrochloride, and trihexphenidyl hydrochloride.

Consult a Cerebral Palsy Attorney

To learn more about medication options for cerebral palsy as well as other cerebral palsy treatments (such as psychotherapy for cerebral palsy and physical therapy for cerebral palsy), it is important for you to contact a specialist in care. If the cerebral palsy was the result of a doctor's medical negligence, it is imperative that you speak with a cerebral palsy lawyer for a legal consultation. You or your child could be eligible to receive financial compensation to help pay for treatment for this lifelong condition.