Alternative medicine is a non-orthodox therapeutic system that has no satisfactory scientific explanation for the treatment’s effectiveness. The term covers a large spectrum of healing philosophies, approaches, and therapies (eg, acupuncture, herbs, homeopathy). Alternative medicine is not taught in medical schools and is without a strong evidence base for efficacy.

When evaluating alternative medical approaches for cerebral palsy and other disorders, the physician should consider the following points:

• What is the physiological/pharmacological basis for the intervention?
• Is there an evidence base for employing an alternative approach? 
• Is the approach associated with significant risks to the patient?
• What are the cost implications of a specific alternative medical therapy?