Cerebral Palsy
What is Cerebral palsy (CP) ?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurologic condition result from an episode or injury that causes a lack of oxygen to the brain (but in many cases, no exact cause can be found), affects the communication between the brain and the muscles leading to a permanent state of uncoordinated movement and posturing.
What are the risk factors prone to develop CP ?
- Premature birth
- Brain trauma/brain hemorrhages
- Complications of labor and delivery
- Some viral/ bacterial infection in mother during pregnancy
- Substance abuse by the mother during pregnancy
What are the symptoms of cerebral palsy ?
Child with CP may have different symptoms, ranging from muscle weakness and poor motor control to muscle tightness (called spasticity) in the arms or legs and muscle stiffness (including clenched fists).
What additional problems children with CP may have ?
- Seizures disorder
- vision /hearing/ speech impairment
- learning disabilities and behavioral problems
- developmental delays
- respiratory problems, such as asthma and aspiration
- bowel & bladder control problems
- gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)/constipation
- bone abnormalities, including scoliosis
What is the fate of child with CP ?
Although cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that can’t be reversed, children with CP can live satisfactory lifestyle with the right medical and surgical management. These benefits are augmented by family support and services like physical therapy and occupational therapy.
Will my child definitely need surgery ?
Surgery can be very helpful for children with serious difficulties with spasticity, muscle contracture, deformities and other symptoms of CP.
How is cerebral palsy diagnosed ?
A child is usually diagnosed with CP when child is 6 to 12 months old, by thorough evaluation by paediatrician, when child starts missing developmental milestones. There are various neurological, electrophysiological examination, radiological examination like MRI, CT and Xrays and various biochemical tests to support in diagnosis.
How Cerebral palsy can be managed ?
- preventing or minimizing physical deformities
- improving and enhancing mobility and motion to the greatest possible extent
- maximizing your child’s capabilities to succeed at home, at school and in the community
What are the surgical options in hand deformities in CP ?
Surgical options for CP symptoms that impact the skeleton and muscles—namely, spasticity and muscle contractures to improve movement, balance and coordination.
Surgical option may be in form of tendon transfers, tendon lengthening, neurectomy and contracture release.
What is offered in Physical and occupational therapy ?
Physical therapy—either alone or in combination with brace or splint—can be extremely beneficial in preventing muscle contractures, regular physical therapy to take part in stretches, strengthening exercises and play activities that can help them improve their flexibility and mobility.