Cerebral Palsy Research: Is Enough Being Done?
When the doctor delivers the devastating blow that your child has cerebral palsy, you are stricken with overwhelming grief. Once the shock of the news subsides, however, hundreds of questions will flood your mind, the most important one being “How did this happen to my child?”â„¢
There is no doubt that scientists are working to answer your most painful questions. Additionally, many other public, government, and private institutions are researching possible cures and prevention, including:
- The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
- United Cerebral Palsy Research and Education Foundation (UCP)
- March of Dimes
- Easter Seals
Studies are also being done to determine ways to better enhance your child’s quality of life. According to ClinicalTrials.gov, there are 28 government studies on cerebral palsy, either ongoing or about to start.
These studies include research on the use of botox to relieve drooling, hyperbaric treatment to increase oxygen and saturate body tissues for improved healing, acupuncture, and more.
Finding the “right” therapy is another area of study, with the hope being that researchers will discover one or two therapies that work best for the majority of children. However, results to date from these studies are inconclusive, perhaps because no two children are alike.
Medical Strides Toward Understanding the Causes of Cerebral Palsy
Thanks to research conducted by the United Cerebral Palsy and Educational Foundation in Washington, DC, two major causes of cerebral palsy have been identified:
Thanks to modern medicine, we can safely say that no child should suffer cerebral palsy due to German measles or Rh incompatibility.
More research is also being done to determine how to protect your baby’s health before birth. For example, scientists hope to come up with a safe medication that would prevent brain damage in your baby should you develop a maternal infection.
Brain Damage Repair and Prevention: a Soon-to-be Reality?
The possibility of reversing, repairing, or preventing brain damage would not only be a dream come true for families and children suffering or at risk, but for scientists as well.
Researchers are seeing amazing results in lab tests. While years of trials and experiments lie ahead, some exciting explorations are underway. Here is just a sampling:
- The discovery of “uncommitted, embryonic-like cells” (neuro stem cells) that actually replace other damaged cells in the brain. Scientists are researching what areas of the brain contain these replaceable cells and what causes them to self-replenish.
- Research on the implantation of stem cells to replace existing damaged brain cells.
- Studying how to control the release of the brain chemical, glutamate. Too much glutamate kills brain neurons and causes brain damage
- Seeing if neurotrophins, a substance in the brain designed to protect neurons, could be used and controlled to prevent brain damage.
Scientist are also studying how to prevent premature birth as well as how to protect the health of your baby’s brain if he does arrive early.
Not Having the Answers You Need is Frustrating
But know that researchers across the country are working diligently to find ways to make your child’s life easier. And they are also working to ensure other babies don’t needlessly suffer. Unfortunately, finding answers takes time, money, and persistence.
Though you might feel alone, frustrated, or disappointed in medicine’s inability to prevent your child’s suffering, there are caring people on your side, including therapists, specialists, and support groups.
Could Your Child’s Cerebral Palsy Been Prevented?
In many cases, thanks to extensive research, doctors know how to prevent cerebral palsy.
But if your child’s CP was preventable, seek expert advice now. It’s the only way to know if your doctor and medical team did everything possible to keep you and your baby safe and healthy. If your doctor failed you and your baby in any way, you may be entitled to financial help.
Contact 4MYCHILD today and see if your child is eligible for Benefits4Life.
