Cerebral palsy (CP) is a broad term that describes a group of neurological disorders. It is a lifelong condition that affects the connections between the brain and muscles, causing a permanent state of uncoordinated movement and posture. It may result from seizures that caused oxygen deprivation to the brain.
What causes cerebral palsy?
Many cases of CP have unknown causes. This disorder occurs when there is abnormal growth or damage to the areas in the brain that control motor functions. It occurs in approximately 2-58 per 1,000 live births.
Risk factors for CP include:
- Prematurity
- Very low birth weight (especially in infants weighing less than 1,000 grams or 2.2 pounds)
- Viral infections
- Chemical or substance exposure during pregnancy
- Infections
- Brain hemorrhage
- Trauma
- Complications during labor and delivery
What are the symptoms of cerebral palsy?
The following are common symptoms of cerebral palsy. However, each child may experience different symptoms. A child may have weak muscles, weak motor control, or tightness called spasticity in the arms or legs. Muscle stiffness can also be seen as rigid legs or clenched fists. Cerebral palsy is usually classified according to the type of motor function the child may have, including:
Spastic Diplegia (“di” means two) – Spastic movements of the arms or legs. Also called hemiplegia.
Spastic Quadriplegia (“quadri” means four) – Spastic movements in all four limbs (arms and legs).
Spastic Hemiplegia (“hemi” means half) – Spasticity affects one half or side of the body (such as the right arm and right leg).
Athetoid/Dyskinetic – Involuntary (inability to control), purposeless, and jerky movements.
Children with cerebral palsy may experience additional problems, including:
- Seizures
- Vision, hearing, or speech problems
- Learning difficulties and behavioral problems
- Intellectual disability
- Respiratory problems
- Bowel and bladder problems
- Bone deformities, including scoliosis (lateral or sideways curvature and rotation of bones in the back, giving the appearance that the person is leaning to one side)
Children with cerebral palsy are often slow to reach developmental milestones, such as learning to roll, sit, crawl, or walk. They may also retain some reflexes that normally disappear in early childhood. CP symptoms may resemble other conditions. Always consult your child’s doctor for diagnosis.
Treatment of cerebral palsy
Treatment focuses on preventing or reducing deformities and maximizing the child’s ability in the home and in the community. Children are best treated with a multidisciplinary team that may include the following healthcare providers:
- Nurse coordinator
- Neurosurgeon – specialist in operating on the brain and spinal cord
- Neurologist – physician specializing in conditions of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves
- Physical and occupational therapists
- Orthopedic surgeon – surgeon specializing in conditions of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones
- Orthotist – individual specialized in making braces and splints
At Alimran Medical Center, we recommend the following treatments:
Chiropractic
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
Spinal cord stimulation
Intrathecal baclofen pump
Surgical interventions may include:
- Orthopedic surgery for hip dislocation, ankle and foot deformities, and muscle contractures
- Neurosurgery to reduce spasticity including Botox injections, selective dorsal rhizotomy, and intrathecal baclofen pumps
Long-term outlook for a child with cerebral palsy
Since CP is a lifelong condition that cannot be corrected, management focuses on preventing or reducing deformities and maximizing the child’s abilities in the home and in the community. Positive reinforcement encourages the child to promote his or her self-esteem and develop as much independence as possible.
The full extent of the condition is usually not completely understood immediately after birth, but it may be detected as the child grows and develops.