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Cerebral palsy is a group of chronic disorders impairing control of movement that appear in the first few years of life and generally do not worsen over time. These disorders are caused by faulty development of or damage to motor areas in the brain that disrupts the brain’s ability to control movement and posture.
Cerebral palsy occurs due to 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:
Despite common misconceptions, cerebral palsy is caused by problems surrounding the delivery of the infant less than 1% of the time.
Cerebral palsy occurs in 2 out of every 1,000 births in the developed world.
Risk factors for cerebral palsy include:
Doctors diagnose cerebral palsy by testing motor skills and reflexes, looking into medical history, and using a variety of specialized tests.
Tests may include:
Symptoms of cerebral palsy vary widely and may include difficulty with fine motor tasks (such as writing or using scissors), difficulty maintaining balance or walking, and involuntary movements. The symptoms differ from person-to-person and may change over time.
Cerebral palsy first shows up in children aged three years or younger. Symptoms vary depending on what areas of the brain are affected. Some children may have severe disabilities. Although symptoms may change as the child grows older, the child’s condition is unlikely to worsen.
Symptoms include:
Some people with cerebral palsy suffer from other medical disorders as well, including:
Several of the causes of cerebral palsy that have been identified through research are preventable or treatable:
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.
Drugs help control muscle spasms and seizures.
Certain operations may improve the ability to sit, stand, and walk.
Braces and splints help keep limbs in correct alignment and prevent deformities. Positioning devices enable better posture. Walkers , special scooters, and wheelchairs make it easier to move around.
Programs designed to meet the child’s special needs may improve learning. Some children do well attending regular schools with special services. Vocational training can help prepare young adults for jobs.
Speech, physical, and occupational therapies may improve the ability to speak, move, walk, and perform activities of daily living. Physical therapy helps strengthen muscles. Children can learn different ways to complete difficult tasks.
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.
Therapeutic electrical stimulation might help.
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