| Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common | | | | movement (ataxia) |
| congenital disorders. Congenital is a term used to | | | | - Walking with one foot or leg dragging behind |
| mean "present from birth". CP is not just one | | | | - Walking forward on the toes |
| disorder, but encompasses a number of | | | | - Muscle tone which is too stiff or too floppy |
| neurological disorders. | | | | - Loss of bladder or bowel control |
| CP often occurs before birth or during birth, or | | | | - Vision, speech, or hearing disturbances |
| may occur during the first 3-5 years of life. | | | | - Learning impairment |
| Symptoms may appear in infancy or in early | | | | - Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) |
| childhood, and are generally apparent by age | | | | Types |
| three. CP does not worsen over time, but its | | | | There are three main types of cerebral palsy, |
| effects may manifest themselves in different | | | | classified according to typical movement disorder |
| ways as an individual gets older. CP permanently | | | | involved: |
| affects body movement and muscle coordination. | | | | 1. Spastic-causes muscle stiffness and difficulty in |
| Causes | | | | movement 2. Athetoid-results in uncontrolled or |
| Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormalities in the | | | | involuntary movement 3. Ataxic-causes disturbed |
| part of the brain that controls muscle coordination | | | | balance and depth perception |
| and movement. Damage to this part of the brain | | | | Diagnosis |
| can occur in utero, as the baby develops, or as a | | | | A delay in reaching expected developmental |
| consequence of birth. | | | | milestones is generally noted in children with |
| It can also be caused by early trauma, such as a | | | | cerebral palsy. Children with CP may also have |
| fall or as the result of an accident. It may also be | | | | poor muscle tone and poorly coordinated |
| caused by infection, such as meningitis or | | | | movements. Additionally, there may be |
| encephalitis. | | | | persistence of infant reflexes beyond the time |
| Symptoms | | | | frame in which they should have disappeared. |
| One of the first signs of CP may be | | | | Treatment |
| developmental delay, or failure to meet an | | | | There is no cure for cerebral palsy. Treatment |
| expected milestone at a certain age. For example, | | | | begins immediately upon diagnosis, and may |
| the ability to walk unassisted may be delayed, | | | | include several health care professionals, such as a |
| causing a parent or physician to become | | | | pediatrician, a neurologist, a physical therapist, an |
| concerned. | | | | occupational therapist, and a speech therapist. |
| Symptoms may be very mild or severe, and | | | | Treatment is ongoing and focuses on assisting the |
| may mean very little impairment or lifelong | | | | child with cerebral palsy to function at the highest |
| disability. Some of the symptoms that children | | | | level possible. Braces, wheelchairs, and walkers |
| might experience include: | | | | may be used to assist in mobilizing as needed. |
| - Tight or stiff muscles | | | | Medications may be prescribed which will decrease |
| - Exaggerated reflexes (spasticity) | | | | muscle spasm, prevent seizures, and alleviate any |
| - Lack of muscle coordination with voluntary | | | | pain if present. |