Acupuncture treatment for children with cerebral palsy and autism.
Autism and cerebral palsy present challenges for healthcare professionals in integrating these children into the community. Recently, doctors at the Central Acupuncture Hospital have combined acupuncture with modern medicine and education in the treatment of these children, with promising initial results.
This information was presented at a workshop on acupuncture, treatment, and special care for children with autism and cerebral palsy, held at the Central Acupuncture Hospital (Hanoi) on May 29th.
Associate Professor Nghiem Huu Thanh, Director of the Central Acupuncture Hospital, stated that currently, treating children with cerebral palsy and autism faces many difficulties. According to statistics from the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, Vietnam has approximately 5-7% of disabled children, with autism and cerebral palsy accounting for over 40%. The Pediatrics Department of the Central Acupuncture Hospital also treats over 3,000 children with autism and cerebral palsy each year.
A two-and-a-half-year-old child is receiving acupuncture treatment for cerebral palsy. Photo: PN
For these children to integrate into the community, long-term treatment is necessary. Meanwhile, the number of new cases is increasing, overwhelming treatment facilities for children with autism and cerebral palsy. Children receive treatment and rehabilitation in cramped environments; some only receive rehabilitation sessions 1-2 times a week, sometimes even in the evenings… Without treatment, or if treatment is not followed correctly, these children can become disabled, unable to learn, and unable to perform daily activities independently, according to Associate Professor Thanh.
Associate Professor Thanh stated that the hospital has developed a standard model combining acupuncture and traditional medicine with modern medicine, integrating medicine and education in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy and autism.
In 2009, the Pediatrics Department here treated 1,308 children with cerebral palsy, of which 237 were completely cured (approximately 18%). By 2011, the complete cure rate had increased to 21%. Children are considered completely cured when they can walk, speak, attend school, and integrate normally into society.
In a study of 76 autistic children from 2008 to 2011, doctors observed that acupuncture helped alleviate the severity of key clinical signs related to social interaction skills, language, and unusual behaviors. For example, the percentage of children playing alone decreased from 89.4% to 53.9%, unusual behaviors decreased from 86.8% to 50%, and the inability to point to body parts decreased from 89.5% to 40.8%.
The Central Acupuncture Hospital has established an acupuncture, treatment, and special care unit specifically for children with autism and cerebral palsy.
Dr. Nguyen Quoc Van, in charge of this special care unit, said that currently many children are diagnosed with autism, but in reality, many of them do not have autism but cerebral palsy. Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder related to genetic disorders. Meanwhile, the causes of cerebral palsy in children can include maternal influenza, diabetes, or complications during childbirth, which can lead to asphyxiation. In addition, cerebral palsy can also be a complication of encephalitis, meningitis, and cerebral hemorrhage. Therefore, upon arrival at the hospital, children will be diagnosed to differentiate between these two conditions in order to receive appropriate treatment.
Treatment for cerebral palsy lasts 25 to 30 days, and children may receive multiple treatment sessions throughout the year using traditional medicine methods such as massage, acupressure, physical therapy, and medication. The rest period between sessions is 3-4 weeks. For autism treatment, methods such as electroacupuncture, hydroacupuncture, electrical stimulation, and medication are used. Children receive acupuncture for 30-40 days per session, 3-5 sessions per year, continuously for many years.
Vnexpress.net – vp