Cerebral Palsy Treatment in Delhi

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy refers to disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, speech, swallowing, and posture. It begins with damage to the developing brain before birth. The condition may result in varying degrees of physical disability, affecting the child's life in growing years and beyond. Cerebral palsy affects the child's ability to move and develop balance and coordination. And while there is no cure for this condition, some effective treatment options may help improve the child's quality of life.

Causes

• The causes of cerebral palsy before and during a child's birth include genetic mutations, maternal infections, and stroke in the baby.
• The causes of cerebral palsy after the child's birth include head injuries, infections such as meningitis, and lack of oxygen to the brain.

Symptoms

The symptoms of this condition may vary, depending on its type and severity. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Difficulty with movement, including walking, crawling, and grasping objects
• Stiffness or weakness in the muscles
• Poor balance and coordination
• Tremors or involuntary movements
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing
• Seizures
• Vision or hearing problems
• Intellectual disability in some cases.

Types of Cerebral Palsy

• Spasticity: It is the most common type of cerebral palsy, resulting in muscle stiffness and tightness.
• Dyskinesia: This type of cerebral palsy involves involuntary writhing movements of the limbs.
• Ataxia: This type of cerebral palsy affects balance and coordination, making it difficult to walk.
• Hypotonia: This type of cerebral palsy makes muscle tone low, resulting in floppy and weak limbs.

Cerebral palsy is further characterized by different levels:

• Level 1: It includes the mildest involvement, with good balance and coordination.
• Level 2: It has moderate involvement with some limitations in walking and daily activities.
• Level 3: It has severe involvement, requiring the use of assistive devices for mobility.
• Level 4: Under this level, the involvement is very severe, with limited ability to move independently.
• Level 5: It has the most severe involvement, requiring total assistance with daily activities.

How is Cerebral Palsy diagnosed?

There is no single test to diagnose this condition. Doctors diagnose it based on physical examination, a review of the child's medical history, and the results of tests, such as an MRI scan, CT scan, ultrasound of the brain, and electroencephalogram (EEG).

How is Cerebral Palsy treated?

After confirming the diagnosis through physical examination and important tests, the doctor decides on the line of treatment of cerebral palsy in Delhi. Different types of treatment include the following:

Alternative Medicines and Therapies

Some children and teenagers with these conditions use complementary and alternative medicines. While alternative therapies may be a good approach, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. The doctor assesses each child's individual needs to determine if these therapies are appropriate for them.

• Minimally Invasive Methods: The doctors use minimally invasive methods, requiring minimal incisions and recovery time compared to traditional surgeries, to improve movement and the child's quality of life.
• Cellular Therapy: According to research, cellular therapy helps reduce inflammation and pain associated with cerebral palsy. The field of cellular therapy for cerebral palsy is still evolving. The experts are conducting research and additional studies to determine the long-term effectiveness of these remedies.
• PRP Treatment: There is some evidence that Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP therapy, may improve muscle function, coordination, and mobility in children with cerebral palsy.

Surgical Procedures

A pediatric orthopaedic surgeon performs a surgical procedure on children with cerebral palsy. Surgery may be required to lessen muscle tightness or correct bone changes caused by spasticity. The treatments include the following:

• Orthopedic Surgery: Children with muscle shortening or contractures might need surgical intervention. Surgery on the bones and joints helps place arms, spine, hips, or legs in the correct positions. Surgical intervention also helps lengthen muscles or reposition shortened tendons. Such corrections may lessen pain and improve mobility. The procedures make it easy to use a walker, braces, or crutches.
• Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy: Selective dorsal rhizotomy involves cutting nerve fibers. This procedure may be performed when walking or moving is difficult and painful, and other treatment options don't come to the child's rescue. Under the procedure, the pediatric orthopaedic surgeon cuts the nerves serving specific spastic muscles. The procedure relaxes the muscles in the legs and reduces pain. However, it may result in numbness.

Cost of Cerebral Palsy Treatment in Delhi

The average cost of cerebral palsy treatment in Delhi typically ranges from 2,00,000 INR to 8,00,000 INR, respectively. As this condition covers different forms and varying symptoms, the treatment approach of each type may be unique, and so may be the cost. Here are the factors taken into consideration while deciding the cost of this condition:

• The type of treatment is a deciding factor when it comes to the cost of cerebral palsy treatment in Delhi. The costs vary depending on the therapies, surgical interventions, and advanced procedures.
• Mild cases of cerebral palsy are less costly compared to severe cases requiring multiple surgeries and long-term rehabilitation.
• The duration and frequency of therapy also determine the overall cost of the treatment, with long-term and intensive therapy programs requiring more expenses.
• Private hospitals charge a higher fee compared to public or government hospitals.
• The expertise and experience of the surgeon are also deciding factors in the cost of cerebral palsy treatment in Delhi.
• The overall expenses of the treatment may rise if the patient requires mobility aids, braces, or custom-designed supportive equipment.
• Longer hospitalizations, specialized nursing, and extended post-surgery care are other factors that determine the overall cost of the treatment.

Why Choose Dr. Ashwani Maichand for Cerebral Palsy Treatment?

Dr. Ashwani Maichand is an experienced pediatric orthopaedic surgeon specializing in the comprehensive management of cerebral palsy. Dr. Maichand focuses on improving mobility, posture, and the overall quality of life through personalized treatment plans, which may include different types like physiotherapy, orthotic support, and advanced surgical interventions when required.

Known for his patient-centric approach, Dr. Maichand works closely with the families of the children to ensure long-term functional outcomes. His expertise, with years of experience in managing complex deformities and commitment to using modern techniques, makes him a trusted choice for cerebral palsy treatment and care.

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