ROMMER
Condition

Cerebral Palsy

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What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a permanent condition affecting movement and posture that arises from damage or abnormal development of the growing brain before birth, during birth, or in early childhood. "Cerebral" refers to the brain, and "palsy" means weakness in muscle control. Cerebral palsy is not a progressive disease; the brain damage itself does not worsen over time. However, the secondary effects on affected muscles and joints may change as the child grows.

Types and Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

  • Spastic CP (most common): Increased muscle tone; movements are stiff and uncontrolled. Reflects upper motor neuron damage.
  • Dyskinetic CP: Characterised by uncontrolled, involuntary movements (athetosis, dystonia).
  • Ataxic CP: Balance and coordination disorders are prominent; gait is unsteady.
  • Mixed type: Carries characteristics of more than one type.

It is also classified by the affected body area as hemiplegia (one side), diplegia (both legs), or quadriplegia (whole body).

Cerebral Palsy Rehabilitation at ROMMER

At ROMMER, cerebral palsy rehabilitation is conducted with a family-centred approach aimed at maximising the child's existing motor potential, increasing functional independence, and improving quality of life:

  • Neurodevelopmental Therapy (NDT/Bobath): Applied to normalise abnormal movement patterns and develop functional movements.
  • Intensive Physiotherapy: Individual exercise programmes are created for muscle strength, balance, coordination, and postural control.
  • Botulinum Toxin Application: Provides temporary relaxation in spastic muscles, increasing the effectiveness of rehabilitation.
  • Robotic and Technology-Assisted Therapy: Balance platforms, robotic walking devices, and virtual reality are used to make rehabilitation more intensive and measurable.
  • Occupational Therapy: Fine motor skills, hand functions, and daily living activities are worked on.
  • Speech and Language Therapy: Communication skills and swallowing functions are evaluated and treated.
  • Orthopaedic Support: The need for splinting and orthotics is regularly reviewed; surgery planning is carried out in collaboration with paediatric orthopaedics when necessary.

Family Participation and Home Programme

At ROMMER, the family is an indispensable part of the rehabilitation process. Parents are trained in positioning, handling techniques, and home exercise programmes. Consistent application of the home programme between clinic sessions is one of the most important factors determining the child's progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cerebral palsy improve with rehabilitation?+
Although the brain damage itself does not progress, the child's functional capacity can improve significantly with the right rehabilitation programme. Early intervention and consistent therapy are decisive for the child's development.
What is the right age to start rehabilitation?+
As early as possible. Signs of CP can be detected from the first months of life, and early physiotherapy and occupational therapy from the first year significantly supports brain plasticity and motor development.
How frequently should the child come for treatment?+
This varies according to the child's age, CP type and severity, and current rehabilitation goals. At ROMMER, the programme is planned with intensive sessions (3–5 days per week) in the initial period and reviewed periodically.
Does the child need to use a splint or orthosis?+
Not every child requires one, but for many children with CP, ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) and hand splints can prevent contracture formation and support functional use. Our orthosis assessments are carried out in collaboration with the physiotherapy team and a paediatric orthopaedist.

Would You Like to Book an Appointment?

Our specialist team will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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