Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy (CP) refers to a group of movement or coordination disorders that occurs as a result of brain damage or faulty development. There are three primary types of cerebral palsy:

Spastic Cerebral Palsy – refers to stiff and difficult movement

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy – refers to problems with balance and depth perception problems

Athetoid Cerebral Palsy – refers to uncontrollable movements

A combination of the types may occur in the same patient.

Causes

Damage to areas of the brain that direct movement interferes with the brain's ability to control movement and posture. Cerebral Palsy may develop before, during or after birth.

Causes include:
  • Brain tissue may not develop correctly during pregnancy. The growing fetus may experience a lack of oxygen or nutrients.
  • Child sustains a head injury or brain infection.
  • Mother's and baby's blood types are not compatible.
  • Mother has rubella while pregnant.
  • Stroke or bleeding occurs in the baby's brain during development or after birth.
  • Baby is deprived of oxygen during or after birth.
  • There are abnormalities of the umbilical cord or placenta, or the placenta separates too early from the wall of the uterus.
  • Child has meningitis, encephalitis, seizures, or head injury.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
  • Infection or blood clotting problems during pregnancy
  • Vaginal bleeding during the last three months of pregnancy
  • Protein in the expectant mother's urine
  • Expectant mother has an overactive thyroid, seizures or mental retardation
  • Complicated or premature delivery
  • Breech birth
  • Low Apgar score (a rating of the baby's condition just after birth)
  • Low birth weight
  • Premature birth
  • Multiple births, twins or triplets
  • Small head
  • Seizures

Symptoms

Cerebral Palsy first shows up in children age three and younger. Symptoms vary depending on what areas of the brain have been affected. Some children may have severe disabilities. Although symptoms may change as the child grows older, his or her condition is not likely to worsen.

Symptoms include:
  • Late to turn over, sit up, smile or walk
  • Trouble writing, closing a button, or other fine motor activities
  • Difficulty walking or standing
  • Tight, spastic muscles
  • Weak muscles
  • Poor balance
  • Speech problems
  • Tremors
  • Unintended body movements
  • Difficulties with sucking, swallowing
  • Drooling
Some people with Cerebral Palsy suffer from other medical disorders as well, including:
  • Seizures
  • Mental retardation
  • Learning disabilities
  • Vision or hearing problems
  • Failure to thrive
  • Decreased ability to feel pain or identify items by touch
  • Problems with bowel and bladder control
  • Breathing problems
  • Skin breakdown

Diagnosis

The doctor will assess the child's ability to move, pattern of walking, and reflexes. Medical history is also reviewed.

Tests may include:

Electroencephalogram (EEG) – a test that records the brain's activity by measuring electrical currents through the brain

CT Scan – a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body

Ultrasound – a test that uses sound waves to make pictures of structures inside the body

MRI Scan – a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body

Treatment

There is no treatment to cure cerebral palsy. The brain damage cannot be corrected. Therapy aims to help the child reach his or her full potential. Children with CP grow to adulthood and may be able to work and live independently.

Medication

Drugs help control muscle spasms and seizures.

Surgery

Certain operations may improve the ability to sit, stand and walk.

Physical Aids

Braces and splints help keep limbs in correct alignment. They decrease deformities that can develop due to shortened muscles. Positioning devices enable better posture. Walkers, special scooters and wheelchairs make it easier to move about.

Special Education

Programs designed to meet the child's special needs may improve the odds of learning. Some youngsters do well attending regular schools with special services. Vocational training can help prepare young adults for a job.

Rehabilitation Services

Speech, physical and occupational therapy may improve the ability to speak, move, walk and perform activities of daily living. Physical therapy helps strengthen muscles. Youngsters learn different ways to complete difficult tasks.

Family Services

Professional support helps a patient and family cope with cerebral palsy. Counselors help parents learn how to modify behaviors. Caring for a child with cerebral palsy can be very stressful. Some families find support groups helpful.

Prevention

Several of the causes of Cerebral Palsy that have been identified through research are preventable or treatable:
  • Before getting pregnant, receive a vaccination for rubella.
  • Seek out early prenatal care.
  • Receive testing for blood-type problems and treatment if tests reveal incompatible blood types.
  • Do not smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs while pregnant.
  • Put the baby in a child safety seat when in the car.
  • Insist that the child wear a helmet when on a bicycle.
  • Do not abuse the child.
  • Prevent access to poisons.
  • Closely supervise bathing.
  • Get your child immunized at the recommended time.
  • Seek medical care when the baby becomes sick.