Cerebral palsy does not affect the chest muscles directly, although breathing can be affected by a change in posture. The doctor will look for symptoms and use a variety of tests to diagnose cerebral palsy and determine the extent of impairment. Cerebral palsy may not be easily detected during the first year. Other tests are sometimes used to rule out other diseases or genetic disorders that resemble cerebral palsy. The treatment for cerebral palsy is most often a combination of speech and occupational therapy, prescription drugs, surgery, and sometimes counseling.
Physical therapy is used for muscle training and exercising.
The child or adult learns how to place affected arms and legs in a comfortable position and how to maintain balance. Sometimes orthopedic surgery is necessary to change the position of arms and legs so the adult or child can use frames, braces, and crutches to walk. Speech therapy helps the child improve speaking and other skills that involve the mouth, such as eating. Special techniques and devices, such as computers, can help children and adults who can't speak to communicate with others. Eye surgery or prescription glasses may be suggested to repair cross-eye and help with seeing difficulties.