Cerebral Palsy Cure

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There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but researchers continue to explore a potential cure and better treatments. Most children born with cerebral palsy can benefit from numerous treatments that reduce symptoms and allow them to live a long and normal life.

Searching for a Cerebral Palsy Cure

Although a cure for cerebral palsy seems to be far in the future, physicians and scientists are continuously searching for one. Some of the recent applications being tested include:

• Brain cell repair
• Interventions to help prevent brain damage
• Stem cell research

Stem cell therapy continues to show benefits as a way to prevent or repair damaged brain cells, which can lead to cerebral palsy.

A recent experiment conducted on mice at Harvard Medical School showed that injecting the animals with stem cell implants replaced damaged brain cells with newer, functioning nerve cells.[1]

However, since the study on mice, there’s no proof that it will be successful in humans with cerebral palsy. Yet, the studies continue, and researchers are hopeful that, in the future, stem cells will be able to cure cerebral palsy.

Clinical Studies

Another approach to finding a cure for cerebral palsy is ongoing clinical trials. Some trials involve stem cells and bone marrow research, such as the University of Houston clinical study. Researchers found they could reduce brain inflammation in a patient who experienced trauma by injecting stem cells collected from their bone marrow.[2]

Other clinical studies include pilot tests using an infant’s umbilical cord stem cells and evaluating the effectiveness of cord blood infusions.

Additional Research for a Cerebral Palsy Cure

Two departments within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) created a long-term strategic plan in 2017 to study and improve treatments for cerebral palsy.[3]

For example, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, an organization that works with the NIH, continues to conduct basic and clinical research on a potential cure for cerebral palsy.

In addition, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) also has ongoing studies looking into a possible cure.

Early Interventions for Brain Damage

Previous studies indicate that many children develop cerebral palsy due to brain damage during early brain development.[4] Scientists are studying nerve cells and trying to find a way to stop any activity that disrupts the neuron’s normal function within the brain.

Furthermore, scientists are scrutinizing white matter damage around the ventricles within the brain. White matter damage remains one of the most common causes of cerebral palsy.

Research sponsored by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) allows scientists to examine how brain chemicals play a role in white matter development, which can hopefully lead to strategies for preventing the development of cerebral palsy.[5]

Genetic Targets for a Cerebral Palsy Cure

In addition, scientists are also studying human genes that may cause malformations in some regions of the brain, leading to cerebral palsy. They are currently gathering numerous DNA samples from people with cerebral palsy to screen their genes for genetic abnormalities.

Brain Chemistry

Newborn infants’ brains with injuries and disorders such as bleeding, infections, and seizures are also currently being studied in an attempt to learn how brain chemicals become toxic, which can lead to conditions such as cerebral palsy.

Current Treatment Available For Cerebral Palsy

In the meantime, there is a myriad of treatment options available to help children with cerebral palsy live productive lives. The most common treatment options (which may vary according to each child’s unique needs) include:

• Therapies, including speech, physical, occupational, and cognitive therapies
• Medications to help with pain, seizures, spasticity, excessive drooling, and more
• Special education, educational assistance, and counseling
• Surgical options, if needed

When getting treatment for your child with cerebral palsy, keep these considerations in mind: 

• Just because there is no cure for cerebral palsy does not mean your child cannot benefit significantly from treatments. An effective treatment plan improves quality of life.
• Treatment plans for cerebral palsy are highly individualized. Each patient is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for cerebral palsy.
• Early interventions typically result in the best outcomes. Advocate for a diagnosis and begin treatments as soon as possible.
• Your child’s needs will likely change over time. Their treatment plan should also change.

Assistive Technologies

In addition, scientists are also looking into new and alternative therapies, including:

• Constraint-induced therapy (CIT)
• Botulinum toxin (Botox)
• Functional electrical stimulation (FES)
• Systemic hypothermia

For more in-depth information regarding treatment options, refer to our article, Cerebral Palsy Treatment.

Can You Have a Normal Life with Cerebral Palsy?

While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, most children can live a normal and satisfying life. Unless cerebral palsy is severe, early therapies, treatments, and interventions help children function better in daily life.

Most children are able to go to school, have jobs and careers, and live independently. They might have some limitations, but still have average life expectancies.

How To Get More Information On Current Cerebral Palsy Studies

To obtain additional information on cerebral palsy studies and research for a cure, contact the Brain Resources and Information Network (BRAIN) at 1-800-352-9424.