Cerebral palsy affects muscle movements but is not caused by problems in the muscles or nerves, it is caused by abnormalities inside the brain which disrupt the brain's ability to control posture and movement. Cerebral palsy is usually diagnosed before a child is three years old. Cerebral palsy is not curable, but treatments can help improve symptoms and capabilities.
Causes for Cerebral Palsy
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, in most cases of cerebral palsy there is no single, obvious cause. Complications during labor and birth account for approximately 10 percent of cerebral palsy cases.
Cerebral palsy can occur if the cerebral motor cortex has not developed normally during fetal growth. Other causes of cerebral palsy is a result of injury to the brain before, during, or after birth. This damage is not repairable and disabilities are permanent.
Most children with cerebral palsy are born with it, but depending on the symptoms, it may not be detected for months or years later.
Cerebral palsy can be related to a number of reasons, including but not limited to: genetic abnormalities, maternal infections or fevers, fetal injury, brain infections, head injury, or lack of oxygen during labor or birthing complications.
In all cases of cerebral palsy, the disorder is a result of four types of brain damage which cause the characteristic symptoms:
- damage to white matter of brain (periventricular leukomalacia, known as PVL)
- abnormal development of the brain (cerebral dysgenesis)
- bleeding in the brain (intracranial hemorrhage)
- brain damage due to a lack of oxygen in the brain (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or intrapartum asphyxia)
Each year approximately 10,000 babies in the United States will develop cerebral palsy. The percentage of babies who develop cerebral palsy has consistently remained the same for the past 30 years.
Signs and Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
Symptoms of cerebral palsy vary in degree and severity. Common symptoms include:
- tight or stiff muscles and reflexes are exaggerated
- lack of muscle coordination when performing voluntary movements
- walking on toes, a crouched gait, or a scissored gait
- leg dragging or walking with one foot
- difficulty swallowing or speaking
- excessive drooling
- variation of muscle tone, too stiff or too floppy
- tremors, shaking or random involuntary movements
- difficulty with motions, such as buttoning clothing or writing
Cerebral palsy can range from severe to very mild and does not always cause profound disabilities. Disabilities can range from extensive care needed and inability to walk to mild awkward movements with no special assistance needed.
Treatment Options for Cerebral Palsy
Early treatment will give children the chance to overcome developmental disabilities and learn different ways to accomplish tasks that are challenging to them.
Treatment will generally include physical and occupational therapy. Speech therapy may be necessary for swallowing disorders or speech impediments. Counseling and behavioral therapy can help emotional needs of coping with disabilities. Medications are available to control seizures, alleviate pain, and relax muscle spasms. Surgery can help correct certain abnormalities or release tight muscles. Mechanical aids and communication aids are also available to assist with the different needs of a patient.
Patients will work with a treatment team which will include a physician, an occupational therapist, an orthopedist, a speech and language pathologist, a social worker, a psychologist, and an educator. These professionals will work closely together to address all the needs of the patient, as well as the needs of parents and caregivers.
Considerations Regarding Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is not a progressive disorder. Symptoms generally do not worsen over time or as a child gets older. Supportive treatments can help individuals improve motor skills and improve their ability to communicate with others.
According to the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation, approximately 800,000 children and adults in the U.S. are living with one or more symptoms of cerebral palsy.
References:
1. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, "Cerebral Palsy" accessed March 31, 2010
2. The United Cerebral Palsy Foundation, accessed March 31, 2010
Sandra Blake - Sandra resides in Ohio. She attended the Academy of Health Sciences and Columbus State. She has years of experience in health information ...
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