The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke notes that the earlier treatment begins, the more the patient can benefit. In fact, many cerebral palsy patients go on to live nearly normal, healthy lives if their treatment begins early enough. Drugs may be used to help control seizures, but most treatment includes physical, speech, and/or occupational therapies, surgery to control some muscle defects, wearing braces to correct misshaped limbs, and in more severe cases, wheelchairs or voice-synthesizing computers. None of these will cure the disease, and research continues into finding ways to enhance treatment.

How can you tell if your child is afflicted with the condition? The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke offer these most common signs of the condition in children. "lack of muscle coordination when performing voluntary movements (ataxia); stiff or tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity); walking with one foot or leg dragging; walking on...
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