Question
A relative’s child can’t speak but is otherwise fine. Could this be cerebral palsy? How should treatment be approached?
Answer
Cerebral palsy is a disorder caused by damage or injury occurring before, during, or within one month after birth, characterized by movement and posture impairments, often accompanied by epilepsy and intellectual disability. In rehabilitation treatment, orthotics are commonly used to limit abnormal joint movement, improve stability, help control muscle spasms, maintain muscle length, prevent deformities, and improve motor function. The key to using orthotics is to select the best wearing time and type based on the child’s individual condition, which should be determined by rehabilitation physicians, therapists, and orthodontists.