Treatment Team

Many impairments associated with the primary neurological lesion accompany the motor disorder seen in CP. A large team of experts who work together for treatment is necessary because the impairments vary both in severity and in character. The team consists of physicians, surgeons and allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists and child development professionals who apply various treatment procedures.

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Treatment team

• Physicians
• Pediatric neurologist
• Pediatric orthopaedic surgeon
• Pediatric physiatrist
• Allied health professionals
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational therapists
• Orthotists
• Psychologists
• Speech therapists
• Consulting members
• Pediatric neurosurgeon
• Ophthalmologist
• Ear-nose-throat specialist
• Audiologist
• Dentist
• Pediatric gastroenterologist
• Nutrition specialist

The team must work together in harmony for success. The members must be aware of all the needs and limitations of the child and know what each other is doing for the child. The team should work also in cooperation with non-governmental organizations to support the integration of disabled children with society including sport, recreation and fun. Close interaction of the team members is vital . Physicians and health professionals who work with patients with CP need to be aware of the implications of the diagnosis, the hardships these children undergo, and the value of each step gained towards function, no matter how small. A thorough knowledge of all the aspects of CP including the timing of diagnosis, the probable natural history, the prognosis and outcome is absolutely necessary in order to be able to help these children become part of the normal world. The ultimate goal in the management is to minimize disability while promoting independence and full participation in society. Direct all efforts to gain independence in activities of daily living, ability to go to school, earn a living and a successful integration with the community.

Treatment strategy

Everyone is a child only once. Do not sacrifice childhood for therapy. Aim to make the child live a childhood that is as close to normal as possible. Base treatment strategy on a realistic evaluation of the child’s present functional status and possible future prognosis. Set goals in each child and explain them to the family. Have the child participate in the goal-setting process

when he is old enough. Individualize treatment for each child. The strategy depends also on the child’s age. Family education, addressing the specific needs of the infant, providing adequate support for optimal growth and development are priorities in management. Play activities, attending mainstream education if possible, and socialization with peers play a crucial

role in the development of the child. Plan therapeutic procedures such as physiotherapy and surgery carefully so as not to interfere with school and social life. The society must be reorganized  to support healthcare providers, caregivers and families to enable integration of the individual with CP with the community. Goals differ for children who can move around by themselves and bear weight on their lower extremities. The child who can move himself from one chair to another in the house, even if by crawling on the floor, is very different from the child who cannot move at all. The ability to move independently and bear weight on lower extremities is an indicator that the child will respond to aggressive treatment even if he has not received therapy before. Explain all treatment procedures to the family and if possible to the child. Make sure they understand. Clinical findings, functional limitations and priorities change as the child grows.

Continuously review and revise treatment plans for each individual child. This is the real challenge and joy of treating a child with CP.