What is Cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a nerve-related condition that causes loss of control and brain functioning to a great extent. It occurs due to damage to the nerves connected to the brain and is most commonly diagnosed in children at an early age.
A patient diagnosed with cerebral palsy will not be able to perform daily chores by themselves, even if they have attained a particular age. They will always need someone to look after them. They depend on others for daily routine tasks such as using the washroom, eating, bathing, and changing clothes.
There are different causes for cerebral palsy. The most common is premature birth. However, not every child born prematurely will have cerebral palsy. Premature birth, multiple births, infections during pregnancy, and birth complications can result in cerebral palsy in children. Babies born before 37 weeks, especially around 32 weeks, with low birth weight, are at a risk of developing cerebral Palsy.
Other potential reasons include brain damage that occurs after birth, and injuries outside the brain could also lead to cerebral palsy. It is a condition affecting motor function movement, coordination, and posture.
What is Cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a nerve-related condition that causes loss of control and brain functioning to a great extent. It occurs due to damage to the nerves connected to the brain and is most commonly diagnosed in children at an early age.
A patient diagnosed with cerebral palsy will not be able to perform daily chores by themselves, even if they have attained a particular age. They will always need someone to look after them. They depend on others for daily routine tasks such as using the washroom, eating, bathing, and changing clothes.
There are different causes for cerebral palsy. The most common is premature birth. However, not every child born prematurely will have cerebral palsy. Premature birth, multiple births, infections during pregnancy, and birth complications can result in cerebral palsy in children. Babies born before 37 weeks, especially around 32 weeks, with low birth weight, are at a risk of developing cerebral Palsy.
Other potential reasons include brain damage that occurs after birth, and injuries outside the brain could also lead to cerebral palsy. It is a condition affecting motor function movement, coordination, and posture.
Signs and Symptoms
Coordination
Cerebral palsy involves difficulty in movement and coordination in children. It is characterized by spasticity, rigidity, and ataxia. Spasticity refers to the stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes, with intensity varying depending on the severity of condition. Rigidity is the stiffness of muscles. While ataxia is the lack of coordination and balance. Visible symptoms may include involuntary movements, jerky movements, a preference for one side of the body, and trouble walking.
Growth and Development
Children with cerebral palsy often experience delayed overall growth and development. This is also reflected in delayed milestones, such as speech, crawling, walking, running, and talking. These delays in motor milestones are key indicators of cerebral palsy.
Mobility factor
There are different levels of motor-related development in cerebral palsy. These range from walking using assistive devices and limited self-mobility to severe limitations requiring full assistance and a wheelchair for mobility.
Speaking skills
Speech delays can cause difficulties in interacting and socializing, leading to discomfort and dissatisfaction. Clarity of speech is often hindered, so it is important to observe when children struggle to communicate or face trouble speaking.
Other symptoms
Seizures and sensory abnormalities are other symptoms associated with cerebral palsy. Mental health issues, such as emotional, intellectual and behavioural challenges as well as sensory disturbances, are common. Neurological impairment is also frequently observed. Additional signs include persistent drooling, difficulty chewing, sucking, picking or eating.
Ayurvedic treatments for cerebral Palsy
Ayurveda offers various treatments for cerebral palsy, which help improve mobility, stiffness, and jerky movements through rejuvenation therapies and Ayurveda-related medications
Panchakarma therapies
Panchakarma therapies involve removing toxins from the body using five steps. it involves procedures like Vamana, Virechana, Basti Nasya, and Raktmokshana. Vamana is a therapeutic method that involves vomiting to eliminate excessive Kapha (mucus). Virechana includes laxatives to cleanse the intestines. Basti includes herbal oil introduced into the colon to improve digestion. Nasya is a nasal cleansing procedure. Raktamokshana is a blood purification process that removes impure blood from the body through an Ayurvedic holistic approach.
Yoga and Meditation
Ayurvedic treatment for cerebral palsy always emphasizes mental wellbeing. Yoga and meditation can nurture the minds of children, helping them regain focus and clarity. They help cultivate a better mindset, which can reduce the severity of the condition. Meditation prevents blockages in mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. It nurtures the inner feelings of an individual, beyond just the physical aspect. This helps them build confidence and significantly improves their ability to achieve milestones.
Herbal Medications
In Ayurveda, cerebral palsy is considered an imbalance of vata dosha, the energy assessing the neurological functions and nervous system. These following herbal medications help in improving the nervous system nourishing the muscles and aligning to improve the overall physical and mental well-being.
- Ashwagandha helps in improving the nerve function and bringing better vitality.
- Brahmi improves the memory and cognitive system.
- Shatavari supports dhatus (tissue), supporting overall health.
- Vidaryadi Ghrita is a ghee-based formulation to strengthen muscles.
- Mahamasha Tailam is a medicated oil for massage to improve muscle tone and coordination.
External Therapies
Cerebral palsy is a condition that involves nerve stiffness and mobility difficulties; therefore, external treatments can improve body functions.
Lepam is the application of herbal paste to improve the muscle tone and reduce stiffness.
Udwaratana is a medicated powder massage that helps increase circulation and improves muscle function.
Sree Subramania: Ayurvedic treatment for Cerebral Palsy in Kerala
Sree Subramania: Ayurvedic treatment for Cerebral Palsy in Kerala
The best way to treat cerebral palsy is to address the condition early before acute turns to chronic. The body’s signals are never wrong and should never be neglected. Unconscious habits, such as suppressing emotions, muscle tension, poor posture, and stiffness, are the symptoms. These habits disturb the balance of doshas, particularly Vata, which plays a significant role in mobility and nerve function. Simple observation and correction of these habits with proper guidance can improve the severity to a great extent.
At Sree Subramania Ayurveda Nursing Home, we specialize in holistic Ayurvedic treatments for cerebral palsy in Kerala, focusing in achieving better physical and mental development. Trust Ayurveda for a natural and effective approach towards managing cerebral palsy.
Why Sree Subramania is different from other Ayurveda treatment centers?
Our doctors provide two rounds of consultation to update patients on their health before and after treatments, supported by a team of experienced staff available 24/7.
We manufacture our own medicine under Sree Subramania products, ensuring the highest quality.
For Cerebral Palsy, Individualized therapy and care are provided based on the unique character and constitution of each patient.
We follow a client-centric approach, where parent training and guidance are also offered to strengthen family bonds and support better care at home.
