Managing Pain in Cerebral Palsy: Medications & Relief Options

Pain from cerebral palsy (CP), a neurological disorder that affects muscle coordination and body movement, can be caused by tight muscles. Different drugs can help provide CP pain relief.

Types

• Antispasmodics and injectable antispasmodics are typically the kind of drugs used for CP pain relief.

Antispasmodics

• Antispasmodics usually come in pill form. Diazepam (Valium), baclofen (Lioresal), and dantrolene sodium (Dantrium) are examples of antispasmodics.

Injectable Antispasmodics

• Injectable antispasmodics are directly injected into the body. Botox injections and alcohol "washes" are types of injectable antispasmodics for CP pain relief.

Benefits

• Drugs used for cerebral palsy pain relief loosen muscles, which helps cerebral palsy patients function better.

Side Effects

• Antispasmodics can lead to drowsiness. In rare cases botox injections may may cause problems breathing or swallowing.