Emerging treatments

Stem cell therapy

Cochrane reviews have found no evidence of effectiveness of stem cell-based interventions for the prevention of morbidity and mortality in newborns born preterm or in newborns after hypoxic‐ischaemic encephalopathy.[209][210] Clinical trials of stem cell treatment for CP are under way.[211][212][213][214] There are no government-approved uses for stem cells in the treatment of CP in developed countries. Stem cell tourism (the travel of patients and their families in pursuit of such treatments) is discouraged by ethical practitioners.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)

These are non-invasive methods of stimulating and modulating neural circuits of the motor cortex by placing induction coils (TMS) or electrodes (tDCS) on the skull. TMS is used primarily in mapping brain circuits, but has also been used therapeutically for patients with CP.[215] Evidence suggests that adding repetitive TMS, with or without constraint-induced movement therapy, enhances therapy-induced functional motor gains in children with hemiparetic CP.[216] tDCS has been trialled in patients with CP, with some promising results.[217][218] Both TMS and tDCS are currently being considered investigative in paediatric populations.[215] Peripheral nerve magnetic stimulation has also been utilised and is claimed to have an effect on the motor cortex, with the effects outlasting the treatment sessions.[219][220]

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer