Overview
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of movement disorders that appear in early childhood. It results from damage or abnormal development in the parts of the brain responsible for controlling movement. While the exact cause remains unknown for most cases, CP affects individuals to varying degrees, from mild to severe. Let’s delve into the details.
Types of Cerebral Palsy (CP)
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Spastic Cerebral Palsy:
- Spastic Hemiplegia: Affects one side of the body (arm, hand, and sometimes leg).
- Spastic Diplegia: Primarily involves muscle stiffness in the legs.
- Spastic Quadriplegia: The most severe form, affecting both arms and legs, often accompanied by intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
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Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy:
- Characterized by slow, uncontrollable jerky movements of hands, feet, arms, or legs.
- No significant intellectual problems.
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Ataxic Cerebral Palsy:
- Impairs balance and depth perception.
- Unsteady walking and difficulty with precise movements (e.g., writing).
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Mixed Types:
- A combination of symptoms from different CP types.
-
Spastic Cerebral Palsy:
- Spastic Hemiplegia: Affects one side of the body (arm, hand, and sometimes leg).
- Spastic Diplegia: Primarily involves muscle stiffness in the legs.
- Spastic Quadriplegia: The most severe form, affecting both arms and legs, often accompanied by intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
-
Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy:
- Characterized by slow, uncontrollable jerky movements of hands, feet, arms, or legs.
- No significant intellectual problems.
-
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy:
- Impairs balance and depth perception.
- Unsteady walking and difficulty with precise movements (e.g., writing).
-
Mixed Types:
- A combination of symptoms from different CP types.
Causes of Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Abnormal Brain Development:
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- Mutation or gene changes.
- Infections during pregnancy (e.g., rubella, herpes).
- Reduced oxygen supply during labor.
- Premature birth.
Risk Factors of Cerebral Palsy (CP)
- Low Birth Weight or Preterm Birth
- Multiple Gestations (Twins, Triplets)
- Infertility Treatments
- Infections During Pregnancy
- Fever During Pregnancy
- Blood Factor Incompatibility
- Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy (CP)
1. Movement and Coordination Problems: Impaired muscle coordination.
Involuntary movements.
Abnormal reflexes.
Slow, writhing movements.
Spastic paralysis.
Unsteady walking.
Abnormal posture.
Swallowing difficulties.
Excessive drooling.
Eye muscle imbalance.
2. Neurological Disorders: Hearing and vision problems.
Abnormal touch and pain sensations.
Intellectual disabilities.
Mental disorders.
Urinary incontinence.
Preventions of Cerebral Palsy (CP)
- Vaccination against infectious diseases before pregnancy.
- Regular prenatal visits.
- Prevent head injuries.
Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy (CP)
- MRI: Identifies brain abnormalities.
- Ultrasound: For infants.
- EEG: Detects seizures.
- Laboratory Examination: Rules out genetic or metabolic disorders.
Treatment for Cerebral Palsy (CP)
- Medication: Botox injections, muscle relaxants.
- Orthopedic Surgery: For contractures.
- Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy: Cutting nerves causing spastic muscles.
- Therapies: Physical, occupational, speech, and recreational therapy.
When to seek medical attention ?
- Early Intervention: As soon as symptoms appear.
- Regular Follow-ups: To monitor progress and adjust treatment.