Review of Cerebral Palsy: The Various Intervention Techniques

Author

Taylor Jo SchultzFollow

Date of Award

Spring 2020

Document Type

Honors Thesis

Department/Major

Kinesiology and Sport Management

First Advisor

Hyung Suk Yang, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Andrea Powell, MA

Third Advisor

Benjamin Hagen, Ph.D.

Keywords

Cerebral Palsy, Treatment Intervention

Subject Categories

Occupational Therapy | Other Rehabilitation and Therapy | Physical Therapy | Rehabilitation and Therapy

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that results from a disruption in the development in the infantile or fetal brain. It affects over 17 million people worldwide. The goal of this review paper is to provide an in-depth literature review behind the causes, diagnosis, associated disorders of CP as well as the treatment interventions that would lead to a comprehensive treatment plan for CP patients. There are many possible causes of CP, contrary to the popular belief that CP is only caused by hypoxia or ischemia at birth. Diagnosis requires determining the motor function, part(s) of the body affected, and the severity; diagnosis techniques have been recently improving. Identification of the associated disorders is also important for treatment. The treatment interventions comprehensively reviewed include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and the combination of physical therapy and occupational therapy. Additional treatment interventions examined are exercise interventions, speech and language pathology, medications, and surgical procedures. It can be concluded that the best treatment plan for a CP patient will be individualized for each specific patient and may include different amounts of the treatment interventions.

Recommended Citation

Schultz, Taylor Jo, "Review of Cerebral Palsy: The Various Intervention Techniques" (2020). Honors Thesis. 87.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/87