We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Types of Cerebral Palsy Medicine?

By Patti Kate
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,944
Share

There are several different types of cerebral palsy medicine with varying purposes and effects. Some of these drugs known to treat patients with cerebral palsy include injections given directly into a muscle to ease spasms or medications taken orally. Oral cerebral palsy medicines for spasms are generally classifications of drugs that are known as muscle relaxants. Patients who are prone to seizures may receive anti-convulsant drugs.

When cerebral palsy patients suffer from stiffening of the limbs or involuntary twitching, drugs that control those symptoms can relax the muscles. A few of the more common drugs prescribed are Diazepam, Baclofen, and Dantrolene. They generally work by sending a message directly to the brain, where motor functioning is located. The spasms are typically controlled to some degree or, in some cases, completely alleviated. The cerebral palsy medicine Baclofen is aimed specifically at the spinal cord rather than the brain.

On occasion, injections are used to control facial twitches. This is another form of cerebral palsy medicine similar to a Botox® injection. The medication seeps directly into skin tissue, which helps to relax spasms. Utilizing this form of therapy, however, is typically limited to occasional treatments, as overusage can cause specific problems.

The drug Valium®—known as Diazepam in its generic form—is often used as a cerebral palsy medicine and can have side effects in certain individuals. Some side effects might include abdominal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Extreme drowsiness can occur if higher dosing is used. Although this drug is given to relax muscles in cerebral palsy patients, Valium® may actually promote muscle contractions in certain individuals.

Some patients with severe forms of cerebral palsy may have movements that are lumbering. There are drugs prescribed to help control such jerkiness or unsteady gait. These drugs are known as anti-spasmotics. This type of drug generally works within the central nervous system. These, too, have known side effects and might interact with other medications and therefore should be used under strict supervision of a physician.

Although cerebral palsy medicine is known to help minimize the symptoms, there is no known cure for the disease. A course of therapy in the form of drugs is typically a treatment that will be ongoing throughout the patient's life. This can be done on an outpatient basis or at home. In conjunction with drugs, physical and speech therapy are often prescribed for the patient as well.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-types-of-cerebral-palsy-medicine.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.