The Dilemmas of Parents During the Rehabilitation of Children with Cerebral Palsy – a Case Study

Abstract

Background. In the first period of treatment of a child with cerebral palsy motor rehabilitation is needed. The aim of the study is to present the dilemmas of parents of children with cerebral palsy during the rehabilitation by Vojta method.
Case study. The case study concerns 15-month old boy with cerebral palsy with right-sided hemiparesis. Parents from the child’s birth observed less activity of right upper limb and many times stressed the fact that in the neonatal and early infancy period were confirmed in the belief that the child is healthy. In 10th month of age, a pediatric neurologist put a preliminary diagnosis of cerebral palsy with right-sided hemiparesis, that confirmed in the 13th months of age. The child is rehabilitated by the NDT- Bobath and Vojta method. During exercises conducted by Vojta the baby cries and screams. The child’s behavior led to eliminate the mother from the therapy. His father, despite serious doubts continued exercises. In addition, parents’ anxiety is caused by the high cost of rehabilitation conducted at home.
Discussion. Cerebral palsy includes a group of nonprogressive motor teams arise as a result of failure or brain disorder in the early stages of its developments.
Conclusions. The parents of a disabled child are faced with the need to take the decision to select the most effective methods of therapy for their child, and a source of acute stress is the responsible for the effects of the rehabilitation and the perspective of lack of funds. In cases of suspected child developmental disorders it is necessary to make a prudent diagnosis by a physician and therapists. The diagnosis of cerebral palsy is never simultaneous, and is determined by the growth of suspicion. The parents of a disabled child require a continuous assessment of demand for specialist help and therapeutic care. (PNN 2012;1(1):23-28)