Cerebral Palsy
At Dr. Kunal Mahajan Children’s Hospital, we offer comprehensive services for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of Cerebral Palsy (CP) in children. CP is a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, and motor skills, typically resulting from damage to the developing brain before, during, or shortly after birth. Our dedicated team of pediatric specialists, including pediatric neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, is committed to providing personalized care and support to children with CP and their families.
Diagnosis: Accurate diagnosis of CP is essential for developing individualized treatment plans and support services. Our experienced pediatric neurologists conduct thorough evaluations to assess children’s motor development, muscle tone, reflexes, and coordination. Diagnostic tests, such as brain imaging (MRI or CT scans) and neurological assessments, may be performed to identify the type and severity of CP and rule out other conditions that may mimic its symptoms. We collaborate closely with families to provide a clear understanding of the diagnosis and guide them through the next steps in their child’s care journey.
Management: Once a diagnosis of CP is confirmed, our multidisciplinary team collaborates to develop personalized management plans tailored to each child’s unique needs and abilities. Treatment for CP focuses on maximizing function, independence, and quality of life. Our comprehensive approach to CP management may include:
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy plays a central role in managing CP by improving muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility. Our physical therapists design customized exercise programs and therapeutic activities to address specific motor impairments and functional limitations. Therapy sessions may include gait training, stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and mobility aids to optimize physical function and prevent secondary complications.
Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy helps children with CP develop skills for daily living activities, such as dressing, feeding, and self-care. Our occupational therapists assess children’s fine motor skills, sensory processing, and adaptive behaviors to create individualized intervention plans that promote independence and participation in meaningful activities. Therapy sessions may focus on improving hand-eye coordination, fine motor control, sensory integration, and assistive technology use to enhance functional abilities and quality of life.
Speech Therapy: Many children with CP experience difficulties with speech, language, and communication. Our speech therapists specialize in evaluating and treating communication disorders associated with CP, such as articulation disorders, language delays, and feeding difficulties. Speech therapy interventions may include speech exercises, language stimulation activities, oral motor exercises, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies to improve communication skills and enhance social interaction.
Family Support and Education: We recognize the importance of providing support and resources to families of children with CP. Our hospital offers family support services, parent education programs, and support groups to empower families, enhance coping skills, and strengthen parent-child relationships. We provide guidance on understanding CP, navigating the healthcare system, accessing community resources, and advocating for their child’s needs. Our team strives to create a supportive and inclusive environment where families feel heard, respected, and empowered to support their child’s development and well-being.
