Medical management plays an important role in controlling symptoms and improving the quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.
Drug Therapy: The following types of oral medications are usually prescribed.
These drugs are very effective in preventing seizures in many children. Because there are different types of seizures, different drugs may be prescribed because no one drug prevents or controls all types of seizures. Such drugs may include Tegretol, Dilantin and Phenobarbital.
Drug therapy can also help reduce spasticity associated with cerebral palsy. These drugs include Diazepam, Baclofen, and Dantrolene. If surgery is contraindicated, these drugs can help reduce spasticity for short periods, however, their long term value is still being researched.
Antiparkinsonian, anticonvulsant, antidopaminergic, and antidepressant agents have been tried. Chorea and athetosis are often difficult to manage.
Medication should always be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional based on the child's individual needs.