Cerebral Palsy

Introduction: Why Cerebral Palsy Needs a New Approach

Cerebral Palsy (CP) affects nearly 800,000 individuals in the U.S., making it the most common motor disability in childhood. At Patients Medical in New York City, we take an integrative and functional medicine approach to managing cerebral palsy. We look beyond conventional symptom control and explore ways to enhance brain function, reduce inflammation, support development, and improve quality of life.

Our team treats the whole person, not just the diagnosis—incorporating physical therapies, nutritional strategies, detoxification support, and neurological optimization, all personalized to your child’s unique needs.

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive neurological disorder caused by brain damage that affects movement, muscle tone, posture, and coordination. While it is usually diagnosed in infancy or early childhood, the effects can last a lifetime.

There are several types of CP:

  • Spastic CP: The most common form, characterized by stiff muscles and awkward movements.
  • Dyskinetic CP: Includes involuntary movements, especially in the arms and legs.
  • Ataxic CP: Affects balance, depth perception, and coordination.
  • Mixed CP: A combination of symptoms from more than one type.

Common Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy presents differently depending on severity and type. Symptoms may include:

Early intervention is critical to optimizing developmental potential and improving long-term outcomes.

Root Causes: What Contributes to Cerebral Palsy?

While cerebral palsy often stems from injury to the developing brain, functional medicine evaluates additional contributing factors that may influence symptom severity or progression:

  • Birth trauma or oxygen deprivation
  • Premature birth or low birth weight
  • Maternal infections during pregnancy (CMV, toxoplasmosis)
  • Toxic exposures (mercury, lead, pesticides)
  • Genetic predispositions impacting mitochondrial or detox function
  • Chronic inflammation in the developing brain
  • Gut-brain axis imbalance or dysbiosis

Our goal is to identify and address these root imbalances to improve neurological outcomes.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we perform comprehensive evaluations to guide integrative treatment. This may include:

Mitochondrial function and ATP production testing

Organic acids and amino acid analysis

Heavy metal and toxin screening

Food sensitivity and IgG testing

Inflammatory markers and cytokine profiles

Genetic and epigenetic analysis (MTHFR, COMT, etc.)

Nutrient and metabolic profiling

Integrative Treatments for Cerebral Palsy

Nutritional Therapy

We create customized, anti-inflammatory meal plans that support brain development, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance mitochondrial function. This may include:

  • Gluten-free/casein-free diets
  • Ketogenic or modified Atkins plans for seizure-prone patients
  • Elimination diets based on food sensitivity testing
  • Omega-3 rich foods and antioxidants

IV Vitamin Therapy

Nutrient IVs may benefit children with absorption challenges or mitochondrial dysfunction. Therapies may include:

  • Glutathione for detox and neuroprotection
  • B-complex vitamins for brain energy
  • Magnesium and zinc to support muscle tone
  • Amino acid blends for growth and repair

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

Evidence-based supplements help modulate inflammation, protect neural tissue, and support neurotransmitter balance:

  • CoQ10 and acetyl-L-carnitine (mitochondrial support)
  • Curcumin and resveratrol (neuroinflammation)
  • L-theanine, magnesium, and GABA (calm and focus)
  • Probiotics and digestive enzymes for gut-brain health

 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

HBOT may enhance oxygen delivery to injured brain tissues and promote healing in children with CP. Studies show potential improvements in:

  • Motor skills
  • Cognitive function
  • Attention span
  • Spasticity reduction

Physical, Occupational & Neurodevelopmental Therapies

We coordinate with top therapists to reinforce neuroplasticity and improve motor function using:

  • Craniosacral therapy
  • Neurodevelopmental integration
  • Sensory integration training
  • Conductive education and Feldenkrais methods

Detox & Mitochondrial Repair

Children with CP often have impaired detoxification. We offer safe, supervised protocols that support liver function and cellular repair:

  • Infrared sauna (when appropriate)
  • Nutritional detox support

Chelation for confirmed heavy metal toxicity

Real Case Study: Elijah’s Journey to Progress

Elijah, age 3, was diagnosed with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. He had difficulty sitting independently and suffered from frequent digestive issues and seizures. His parents sought a more comprehensive, natural approach to supplement his existing therapies.

We performed:

  • Food sensitivity and stool testing
  • Heavy metal screening
  • Nutrient panel and mitochondrial analysis

His plan included:

  • Gluten/casein-free diet
  • IV glutathione and B-vitamins
  • Probiotic therapy
  • Curcumin and magnesium for neuro-calming
  • Weekly HBOT sessions

Within 5 months, Elijah showed:

  • Improved muscle control and head posture
  • Less GI discomfort and better sleep
  • Reduced seizure activity
  • Brighter mood and increased engagement

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

 While CP is a non-progressive condition, symptoms and functioning can often be improved significantly with integrative care.

 No. We work alongside physical therapy, speech therapy, and mainstream medical care to optimize results holistically.

 Yes. All therapies are age-appropriate and tailored to the child’s developmental stage and medical history.

 A nutrient-rich, inflammation-reducing diet can enhance brain function, reduce spasticity, and improve digestive health.

 HBOT is considered an off-label, supportive therapy, but many families report improved speech, mobility, and alertness.

 If your child has CP and struggles with GI issues, immune dysfunction, or developmental plateaus, testing can uncover helpful insights.

 Yes, in some cases. We test for methylation defects and other SNPs that affect neurodevelopment and detoxification.

 We work with infants as young as 6 months and up, adjusting therapies to match developmental needs.

 Our goal is not to replace necessary medications but to complement care and, when appropriate, reduce dependency under supervision.

 We are an out-of-network provider but provide superbills for insurance reimbursement. Labs may be partially covered.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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