Cerebral palsy

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a condition that occurs as a result of damage to the brain. Brain damage can occur while the baby is in the womb, during birth, or in the first few years after birth. This damage affects areas of the brain that control muscle control, balance, coordination, movement, and sensory functions.

Cerebral palsy is a medical term, the word cerebral refers to the brain and the word palsy refers to disorders of the nervous system that affect the control of the muscles.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Causes of cerebral palsy include brain damage at birth, infections, injuries, poisoning, and genetic disorders. In most cases, brain damage occurs during pregnancy or during childbirth. Premature birth, low birth weight, oxygen deficiency, bleeding, infections, and other risk factors a child is exposed to during brain development increase the risk of cerebral palsy.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy symptoms differ from person to person. Some people live with mild symptoms, while others struggle with more serious symptoms. The most common symptoms include muscle stiffness, muscle weakness, muscle tremors, coordination problems, difficulty walking, balance problems, and speech problems. People with cerebral palsy may also have sensory and perceptual problems. In addition, epilepsy, hearing loss, vision loss and other neurological problems may occur.

Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis

The diagnosis of cerebral palsy is made by evaluating the delays in the development of the child and the physical and behavioral symptoms. Doctors can make a diagnosis by examining a child's motor skills, reflexes, and movements. In some cases, imaging tests such as EEG, MRI, or CT scans may also be used. After diagnosing cerebral palsy, doctors devise a treatment plan based on the signs, symptoms, and severity of cerebral palsy.

Cerebral Palsy Treatment

Cerebral palsy treatment can vary according to the severity of the symptoms and the age of the child. Treatment usually begins in childhood and can continue throughout life. The treatment plan is determined with a multidisciplinary approach to meet the physical, psychological and social needs of the child.

Physical therapy includes exercise programs and physical therapies to strengthen muscles and increase mobility. Speech therapy can help children improve their speech and language skills.

Surgical intervention may also be required in some cases. Surgical methods can be used to correct the muscle and bone structure. In addition, implants, prostheses or assistive devices may be used. These devices are designed to increase, support or perform mobility.

The Effect of Cerebral Palsy on Quality of Life

Cerebral palsy can affect people's quality of life. This can affect people's daily lives, work, education, and relationships. Physical disabilities and a sense of social disapproval can complicate the lives of people with cerebral palsy.

In particular, a multidisciplinary treatment approach can improve the quality of life of people with cerebral palsy.

In conclusion, cerebral palsy is a condition that results from damage to the brain and can manifest with many different symptoms. However, with the right diagnosis, treatment, and support, people with cerebral palsy can live their lives to the fullest.

Scientific Literature Links

  • Rosenbaum, P. (2013). Cerebral palsy: what parents and doctors want to know. BMJ, 346, f1674. doi: 10.1136/bmj.f1674

  • Oskoui, M., Coutinho, F., Dykeman, J., Jetté, N., & Pringsheim, T. (2013). An update on the prevalence of cerebral palsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 55(6), 509-519. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.12080

  • Bax, M., Goldstein, M., Rosenbaum, P., Leviton, A., Paneth, N., Dan, B., et al. (2005). Proposed definition and classification of cerebral palsy, April 2005. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 47(8), 571-576. doi: 10.1017/S001216220500112X

  • Novak, I., Morgan, C., Adde, L., Blackman, J., Boyd, R., Brunstrom-Hernandez, J., et al. (2017). Early, accurate diagnosis and early intervention in cerebral palsy: advances in diagnosis and treatment. JAMA Pediatrics, 171(9), 897-907. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.1689

  • Colver, A., Fairhurst, C., Pharoah, P. O., & Team, E. C. S. (2014). Cerebral palsy. Lancet, 383(9924), 1240-1249. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(13)61835-8

  • Himmelmann, K., Beckung, E., Hagberg, G., & Uvebrant, P. (2005). Gross and fine motor function and accompanying impairments in cerebral palsy. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 47(7), 440-447. doi: 10.1017/S0012162205000845

  • Eliasson, A. C., Krumlinde-Sundholm, L., Rösblad, B., Beckung, E., Arner, M., Öhrvall, A. M., et al. (2006). The Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) for children with cerebral palsy: scale development and evidence of validity and reliability. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 48(7), 549-554. doi: 10.1017/S0012162206001162

  • Ziviani, J., Desha, L., Feeney, R., & Cuskelly, M. (2012). Participation of children with cerebral palsy: associations with therapy services and support networks. Disability and Rehabilitation, 34(3), 216-222. doi: 10.3109/09638288.2011.602681

  • Chen, Y. P., Lee, K. K., Hong, W. H., & Lin, P. Y. (2016). Effects of interactive metronome training on postural stability and upper extremity function in children with cerebral palsy. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 53-54, 48-58. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd

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