Date:14/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/14/stories/2008101452950300.htm

Kerala - Kozhikode

Stress on early detection of cerebral palsy

Staff Reporter

KOZHIKODE: The need for different medical specialities and rehabilitation agencies to network to benefit children suffering from cerebral palsy was the highlight of a conference of specialists working in the field.

More than 200 experts participated in the ‘Cerebral Palsy Update 2008’ conference held at the IMA hall here on October 12 to discuss the peculiar problems faced by children afflicted with the debilitating ailment.

K.P. Vinayan (Amrita Institute, Kochi) who spoke of the need for early detection of the disease opined that epilepsy, an associated ailment, can be totally cured through appropriate treatment. Children afflicted by cerebral palsy also suffered from behavioural and academic disabilities and there is the need to provide appropriate treatment and rehabilitation in these cases, the conference suggested. Surgery, physiotherapy and rehabilitation would go a long way in providing a normal life, it was added.