Cerebral Palsy Meds: Toward Smarter, Personalized Care

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Cerebral palsy is a complex condition. No two people experience it the same way. Yet, many adults with CP are being given “fix-all” medications that don’t always treat the actual problem.

In a recent study led by Dr. Mark Peterson, a professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Michigan, researchers reviewed prescribing trends for adults with CP. What they found was startling: medications were often prescribed without clearly identifying the root cause of pain or symptoms.

Rather than targeting the type of pain—whether it’s muscular, nerve-related, or mechanical—many prescriptions seemed to rely on broad assumptions. The result? Patients received medications that may not be helpful, and in some cases, could make things worse.

"Medications were often prescribed without clearly identifying the root cause of pain or symptoms."

Dr. Mark Peterson

The Most Common Medications—Are They Helping?

According to the study, the most commonly prescribed medications for adults with cerebral palsy included:

- Antiepileptics

- Antidepressants

- Benzodiazepines

- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

- Non-operative opioids

- Antipsychotics

- Muscle relaxants

- IBS-specific drugs

- Clonidine

- Anticholinergics

- Botulinum toxin A (Botox) injections.

That’s a long—and powerful—list. These medications have their place in care when used appropriately. But in many cases, the study found that they were prescribed without a full understanding of the individual’s pain type, severity, or other co-occurring conditions like anxiety, digestive disorders, or respiratory issues.

Even more concerning? Only 41% of adults in the study were prescribed physical or occupational therapy—despite the fact that these non-drug treatments are widely used and often very effective for children with CP.

Why This Matters for Parents of Children with CP

This research highlights an important truth: how we manage cerebral palsy must evolve over time. What works in childhood may not be enough in adulthood—and relying too heavily on medication may not be the best path forward.

As a parent, here’s what you can take away:

- Start asking questions early: How will your child’s care evolve as they grow? Is your current care team thinking ahead?

- Push for a personalized approach: Not all pain is the same. Make sure any treatment plan—especially involving medications—is grounded in a full evaluation of the type and cause of symptoms.

- Therapy matters at every age: Physical and occupational therapy don’t stop being helpful just because someone turns 18. In fact, they may be more important than ever.

- Understand medication risks: Opioids, muscle relaxants, and psychotropics can have serious side effects, especially for individuals with CP who may have related conditions like respiratory or digestive issues.

A Step Toward Smarter Care: Clinical Guidelines on the Horizon

The good news is that changes are underway. Dr. Peterson’s team is now working with international partners to develop the first clinical practice guidelines specifically for adults with cerebral palsy.

These guidelines aim to offer smarter, more precise tools for doctors and care teams so they can better evaluate pain and prescribe treatments that work—without unnecessary risk.

But until those guidelines are adopted across the board, families remain the most important advocates for better care.

Looking Ahead

Caring for someone with cerebral palsy is a lifelong journey. It requires flexibility, vigilance, and often, a willingness to challenge the status quo. As we learn more about how CP changes over time, it’s essential that treatment plans adapt—especially when it comes to medications.

If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, consider building a long-term care team that includes specialists in pediatric neurology, physical medicine, pain management, and rehabilitation. The more diverse and coordinated the team, the better the chances of personalized, effective care that evolves with your child’s needs.

After all, the goal isn’t just to treat symptoms—it’s to help every person with CP live a full, thriving life. And that starts with getting the treatment right.

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