Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and motor skills. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, which can occur before, during, or after birth. The severity of cerebral palsy varies from person to person, and some individuals may require extensive medical care throughout their lives. NHS states that there’s no cure for cerebral palsy, but there are treatments for keeping the patients active and independent.
In recent years, medical tourism has emerged as a popular option for individuals seeking treatment for cerebral palsy. Platforms like Medditour help the patients who seek medical attention for cerebral palsy by connecting them to international treatments and facilitators in no time.
Let’s try to understand more about cerebral palsy and the role of medical tourism in managing cerebral palsy in this article.
Causes of cerebral palsy
In some cases, the cerebral palsy is caused by genetic factors. In others, it is caused by brain damage that occurs before, during, or after birth. Let’s try to explore certain reasons behind cerebral palsy.
- Hypoxia: This refers to a lack of oxygen to the brain, which can occur during labor and delivery. Hypoxia can cause brain damage that leads to cerebral palsy.
- Infections: Infections during pregnancy or shortly after birth can cause inflammation and damage to the developing brain, leading to cerebral palsy.
- Premature birth: Infants born prematurely are at a higher risk for cerebral palsy, as their brains may not be fully developed.
- Trauma: Trauma to the head or brain can cause cerebral palsy. This can occur during labor and delivery, or in accidents later in life.
- Genetics: In some cases, cerebral palsy is caused by genetic factors.
Medical tourism for cerebral palsy treatment
Cerebral Palsy Guide states that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 345 children in the United States have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which clearly indicates the need for medical treatments outside the United States to help avoid the waiting time.
However, medical tourism can be particularly beneficial for individuals seeking treatment for cerebral palsy. This is because many countries offer cutting-edge treatments and therapies that may not be available in one’s home country. Additionally, medical tourism can be more affordable than receiving treatment for cerebral palsy in one’s home country.
Some of the treatments and therapies available for cerebral palsy through medical tourism include,
- Stem cell therapy: This involves the use of stem cells to repair damaged brain cells and improve motor function.
- Physical therapy: This involves exercises and movements designed to improve muscle tone, balance, and coordination.
- Occupational therapy: This involves learning how to perform daily activities, such as dressing and eating, more independently.
- Speech therapy: This involves exercises to improve communication skills and swallowing abilities.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to improve muscle function or correct skeletal deformities.
Benefits of medical tourism for cerebral palsy treatment
Medical tourism offers numerous benefits for individuals seeking treatment for cerebral palsy. Some of the key benefits include access to cutting edge treatments and therapies, quality of care, cost savings, and faster treatments.
Medical tourism companies like Medditour also provide opportunities for patients seeking treatments for cerebral palsy to travel to new places and experience new cultures while receiving the medical treatments. This gives them a chance to combine treatments with vacation and offer a pleasant experience at international destinations along with their families.
In conclusion, cerebral palsy is a complex and challenging condition that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, there are treatments to manage the condition. Medical tourism also plays a vital role in giving the patients suffering from cerebral palsy, a way to manage the disease with ease.