Management options for the child with spastic cerebral palsy

Knowledge of spasticity management for the child with cerebral palsy begins with understanding how cerebral palsy and spasticity are defined and related. The next step is learning what the treatment options are and how they can impact the child. There are many strategies for managing spasticity. This article focuses on pharmacologic and surgical approaches. Pharmacologic is further subdivided into medications taken by mouth, given through an injection (Botox) or delivered by a pump (baclofen). Surgery includes neurosurgical and orthopaedic procedures. Each treatment is reviewed using rationale, patient selection, delivery methodology, and management technique citing the advantages and disadvantages of each modality.