Effective treatments for cerebral palsy in children

Severe sequelae

Present at the Rehabilitation Hospital at the right time when patients were practicing in the Physical Therapy Department. Doctor Hoai Thuong - who directly treats patients with cerebral palsy, shared: "Most children with cerebral palsy when admitted to the hospital have symptoms of movement disorders, language disorders, intellectual disorders, visual disorders, hearing disorders and mental disorders. Therefore, we need to understand the symptoms of the disease to diagnose early, treat early, and help improve the patient's recovery ability. What we, the treating doctors, always aim for is to improve the patient's health condition to the maximum, guide the patient so that they can take care of themselves, not depend on their family... so that the patient can integrate into the community".

Doctor Hoai Thuong is instructing a patient with cerebral palsy in rehabilitation exercises. Photo: Duc Anh

At the hospital, there are many children with cerebral palsy who are being treated with physical therapy, rehabilitation combined with medication. Phan Van Hoang (born in 2002) from Yen Thanh district has congenital cerebral palsy. His family has taken him to many hospitals, but his health, pronunciation, and communication have not improved. Mr. Phan Van Vuong (born in 1967), Hoang's father, said: "After just over 10 days here, Hoang has communicated more and is much more active (before at home, Hoang did not want to talk, when asked, he just nodded and shook his head). Especially, Hoang knows how to take care of himself - something he did not have before."

Mr. Vuong and his son and their journey to restore their son's health. Photo: Duc Anh

As for Mrs. Nguyen Thi Th (50 years old in Nghi Loc district), she gave birth at the age of 40. After giving birth until the 9th month, her baby KB usually lay still, unable to lift his head, but only tensed up. After six years of physical therapy, now KB's leg braces have been removed below the knee instead of up to the thigh like when she first started practicing. KB can walk short distances without needing her mother to lead her, and her limbs are softer and less stiff than before.

These are just 2 of many cases of children with cerebral palsy being treated at Nghe An Rehabilitation Hospital. Talking with Master Thai Thi Xuan - Director of Nghe An Rehabilitation Hospital, it is known that: The causes of cerebral palsy are divided into 3 types: Before birth, during pregnancy and after birth. The cause of the disease during pregnancy accounts for 60% - 65%, the cause before birth accounts for 30% - 40%, the cause after birth accounts for 12%. Learning the causes of cerebral palsy, understanding the symptoms of cerebral palsy, and diagnosing promptly, the chance of recovery will be very high.

Doctor Hoai Thuong - who directly treats patients with cerebral palsy, said: "Most children with cerebral palsy when admitted to the hospital have symptoms of movement disorders, language disorders, intellectual disorders, visual disorders, hearing disorders and mental disorders. Photo: Duc Anh

Currently, there is no accurate method to diagnose cerebral palsy. Doctors often have to observe for a long time to determine cerebral palsy (examining muscle tone, motor development, communication, etc.). In addition, diagnostic imaging tests such as brain ultrasound through the fontanel, computed tomography (CT), especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide valuable information about brain damage. Biochemical or genetic tests depend on the clinical diagnosis. Electroencephalography (EEG) is also an indispensable basic test in diagnosing cerebral palsy as well as other diseases of the central nervous system.

Mr. Phan Van Vuong, a relative of the patient, said: If I had known about this rehabilitation hospital earlier, I would have brought my son here for treatment. Photo: Duc Anh

The incidence of cerebral palsy is approximately 1.2 - 2.5% (for every thousand live births). Over 90% of children with cerebral palsy will survive to adulthood, with only the most severely affected children having a very short or no chance of survival.

Treatment methods

Currently, there are many programs that talk about treating cerebral palsy such as: electrodiagnostics, acupuncture, stem cell transplantation, hyperbaric oxygen... However, science in the world only recognizes rehabilitation as the best and most effective method for all children with cerebral palsy.

Patients being treated at the Rehabilitation Hospital exercise. Photo: Duc Anh

At Nghe An Rehabilitation Hospital, cerebral palsy in children is being treated very effectively with many methods, but the main focus is still on restoring the child's ability to move and take care of himself. Photo: Duc Anh

MSc. Thai Thi Xuan - Director of Nghe An Rehabilitation Hospital affirmed: Rehabilitation exercises for children with cerebral palsy should start as early as possible because it will avoid muscle and joint contractures and help children develop early motor skills. Rehabilitation exercises for children with cerebral palsy must be persistent and long-term, and cannot improve the child's condition overnight. In some cases, this exercise lasts almost a lifetime. At Nghe An Rehabilitation Hospital, children are carefully instructed in each exercise method by technicians. Not only do they exercise individually, doctors and technicians also exercise children in groups so that they can both exercise and play with friends, thereby quickly integrating with their peers.

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