Cerebral Palsy and Drug Therapies

Many medications exist as a means of drug therapy for cerebral palsy, including Baclofen, Dantrolene, Botox, Flexeril, Depakene, Diazepam, Dilantin, Epival, Klonopin,Tegretol, and Zarontin.

Baclofen, also known as Lioresel, is a muscle relaxant which blocks spinal cord signals that cause muscle contraction. It can be taken by mouth, but is most effective when taken via spinal cord. Baclofen helps improve speech, swallowing, alertness, and movement. The side effects of Baclofen drug therapy include nausea, muscle weakness, light headedness, headache, and sleepiness, but can usually be eradicated by dosage adjustment.

Dantrolene, also known as Dantrium, also combats cerebral palsy by blocking muscle contraction. Dantrolene functions as drug therapy taken by mouth, and helps to reduce pain, increase movement, and relieve severe muscle spasms. Side effects include possible liver damage and disease (including jaundice and hepatitis), as well as fatigue, dizziness, diarrhea, and weakness.

Botox injections relax the spastic muscles of those with cerebral palsy. Botox is injected with a small needle and requires no anesthesia. Drug therapy with Botox is ideal for cerebral palsy sufferers undergoing physical therapy. Botox injection effects usually last for up to 12 weeks, after which time another injection is required. Those using Botox drug therapy may experience head or muscle ache side effects.

Flexeril is a less popular drug therapy option for those with cerebral palsy, and operates by blocking the nerve impulses the body sends to the brain, thus relieving muscle injuries or spasms. Side effects of Flexeril drug therapy include insomnia, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Anti-seizure medications for treating cerebral palsy include Depakene, Epival, Klonopin, , Zarontin, Diazepam, and Dilantin. Depakene is taken by liquid or tablet, and used to treat petit mal and grand mal seizures. Common side effects include indigestion, nausea, and vomiting. Epival drug therapy can also be used to treat petit mal and grand mal seizures, and is taken by mouth. Klonopin, or Rivotril, is used to treat petit mal and minor motor seizures, and is taken in tablet form. Zarontin is also used to treat petit mal seizures, and is taken orally.

Diazepam, or Valium, is drug therapy for cerebral palsy that can be taken intramuscularly, orally, rectally, intravenously, or by injection. The side effects of Diazepam drug therapy include headache, depression, drowsiness, and lethargy.

Dilantin is taken by mouth, intravenously, or by injection. Common side effects include headaches, sleep disturbances, and upset stomach.

All the info you need about drug therapy for cerebral palsy patients. including original use and side effects for Baclofen, Dantrolene, Botox, Flexeril, Depakene, Diazepam, Dilantin, Epival, Klonopin,Tegretol, and Zarontin.