Cerebral palsy is a birth defect resulting from damage to the part of the brain that controls cognitive thought, motor skills and sensory functions. This damage can lead to intellectual limitations, learning disabilities, hearing problems, vision impairments, behavioral issues, speech difficulties, movement problems and seizures. Traditional treatment often involves some combination of physical, occupational or speech therapy, medication, use of orthotic devices, or surgery. However, some parents also look to alternative treatment options to help their children cope with cerebral palsy complications. One alternative treatment that has started gaining popularity is acupuncture.
According to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA), acupuncture “is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning . . . by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.” The classical Chinese belief is that acupuncture needles unblock obstructions in the energy channels that run through the body, thus reestablishing the regular flow of energy. The modern scientific explanation, according to the AAMA, is that the stimulation of acupuncture points prompts the nervous system to release chemicals that either change the experience of pain or “trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system.”
Acupuncture is thought to reduce pain, as well as boost flexibility and muscle strength. Although studies into the use of acupuncture as an alternative treatment for cerebral palsy are limited, some research does suggest it may be beneficial. For instance, researchers who reviewed 35 randomized clinical trials found that acupuncture might help to improve day-to-day functioning, speech abilities and independence. Another study found that combining acupuncture with music therapy might help to improve movement. Other research suggests that acupuncture may help to improve bone density. However, further research and more rigorous trials are needed to fully understand the potential benefits of acupuncture for children with cerebral palsy. While acupuncture may prove beneficial for some children, it should to serve as a supplemental treatment, not to replace traditional treatment. Parents should consult their child’s physician before starting any type of alternative therapy.
Parents may be entitled to compensation that can help pay for their child’s ongoing treatment and care if medical malpractice caused the child’s condition. Cerebral palsy often results from birth trauma due to a lack of oxygen right before or during delivery, which can be caused by failing to order a cesarean section, improper use of a vacuum extractor or forceps, or other physician error. To learn about your legal rights, contact an experienced cerebral palsy attorney today. A cerebral palsy lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you need and deserve.
