Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy

Wed Sep 2022 Ehsaas

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect balance, movement, and muscle tone. “Cerebral” means the disorder is related to the brain, and “palsy” refers to weakness or a muscle problem.CP starts in the area of the brain that controls the ability to move muscles. Cerebral palsy can happen when that part of the brain doesn’t develop as it should, or when it is damaged right around the time of birth or very early in life.Most people with cerebral palsy are born with it. That’s called “congenital” CP. But it can also start after birth, in which case it’s called “acquired” CP.People with cerebral palsy can have mild issues with muscle control, or it could be so severe that they can’t walk. Some people with CP have difficulty speaking. Others have intellectual disabilities, while many have normal intelligence.

What Are the Types of Cerebral Palsy?

Spastic Cerebral Palsy

The National Institutes of Health states that spastic cerebral palsy is the most common form of the disorder, affecting around 80% of all diagnosed cases of cerebral palsy.

Spastic cerebral palsy causes children to have exaggerated reflexes (spasticity) and stiff, sometimes painful muscles. The majority of children will experience some degree of difficulty walking, depending on the type and extent of spasticity they have.

Spastic cerebral palsy includes three different subtypes, which include:

  • Spastic diplegia – involves muscle stiffness, generally in the leg area, but the arms may be mildly affected too and can cause difficulty walking
  • Spastic hemiplegia – when primarily one side of the body is involved, with movement difficulties mainly in the arm on the affected side
  • Spastic quadriplegia – characterized by motor dysfunction all over the body, is the most severe type of spastic cerebral palsy and usually comes with other associated disorders

Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

Dyskinetic cerebral palsy is the second most common type of cerebral palsy after spastic forms. It is marked by abnormal movements in the arms, hands, and legs, making it difficult to control body movements and coordination.

Children with this form of cerebral palsy can exhibit slow, writhing-type movements or quick, jerking movements. In turn, walking and sitting down can be difficult.

Muscle tone varies and changes from tight to loose from day to day. Many have trouble controlling their face and tongue movements, resulting in difficulties with speech.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Children with ataxic cerebral palsy exhibit uncoordinated, jerky movements. This is the least common type of CP.

The movements are initiated by a voluntary effort, which becomes interrupted and uncontrolled, causing a lack of balance or coordination. These children may have difficulty walking and writing due to instability, effects on speech and swallowing, as well as eye movements.

Mixed Cerebral Palsy

Sometimes children develop a mix of the types of CP. A combination of dyskinetic and spastic cerebral palsy is the most common, but children can create a blend of any CP.

Symptoms depend on which types of cerebral palsy the child has. Mixed cerebral palsy can also result in additional associated medical problems and disorders.

Signs and Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

Babies

  • Low muscle tone (baby feels ‘floppy’ when picked up)
  • Unable to hold up his/her own head while lying on their stomach or in a supported sitting position
  • Muscle spasms or feeling stiff
  • Poor muscle control, reflexes and posture
  • Delayed development (can’t sit up or independently roll over by 6 months)
  • Feeding or swallowing difficulties
  • Prefers to use one side of their body

Toddlers/Children

Although the brain of toddlers/children with cerebral palsy remains injured, the injury does not get worse as they develop.

Depending on the level of severity of cerebral palsy, toddlers and children may experience difficulties with physical development such as:

  • not walking by 12-18 months
  • not speaking simple sentences by 24 months

If your child is not reaching these milestones or they display some of the signs of cerebral palsy, you may need to speak to your early childhood nurse, general practitioner or pediatrician.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is caused when the fetal or infant brain gets damaged or injured. It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the brain damage, but there are several factors that may cause a child to develop the condition.

Common cerebral palsy causes include:

  • Bacterial and viral infections such as meningitis
  • Bleeding in the brain (hemorrhaging)
  • Head injuries sustained during birth or within the first few years of infancy
  • Lack of oxygen to the brain (asphyxia) before, during, or after birth
  • Prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol
  • Prenatal exposure to raw/undercooked meat or fish

Treatment of Cerebral Palsy

There’s currently no cure for cerebral palsy, but treatments are available to help people with the condition be as active and independent as possible.

Children with the condition are cared for by a team of  professionals, who will work with you to come up with a care plan.

This plan will be continually reassessed as the person’s needs change. As children with cerebral palsy grow older, they may need different care and support.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy involves exercises to help maintain and hopefully improve movement.

It’s one of the most important treatments for cerebral palsy.

The main goals of physiotherapy are to:

  • encourage movement
  • increase strength and stop muscles becoming weak
  • stop muscles shortening and losing their range of movement (contracture), which can be painful and affect how the bones and muscles grow

A physiotherapist may also advise on walking aids (such as a walking frame or walking sticks) if needed, and arm or leg braces called orthoses to support the limbs.

Speech and language therapy

Speech and language therapy can help people who have trouble communicating.

A speech and language therapist can provide exercises to help practice speech, or teach an alternative method of communication, such as sign language or using pictures.

The therapist may also be able to provide special equipment, such as a computer or device that generates speech.

Younger children may be given a device similar to a laptop that’s covered with symbols of everyday objects and activities. The child presses a combination of symbols to communicate.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy involves a therapist identifying problems that you or your child have carrying out everyday tasks.

They can advise you about the best way to do activities that involve complex movements, such as going to the toilet or getting dressed.

Occupational therapy can be very useful in boosting your child’s self-esteem and independence, especially as they get older.

An occupational therapist can advise adults with cerebral palsy on independent living. This can include advice on housing, getting a job, benefits, and technology like computers and gadgets that can make it easier to do things.

 

 

 

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