CEREBRAL PALSY

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and coordination. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, often occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. The severity and specific symptoms can vary widely among individuals.

Key Characteristics

1. Motor Function Impairment:

   • Spastic CP: Characterized by stiff, tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes. This is the most common type.
   • Dyskinetic CP: Involves involuntary movements and can affect posture and balance.
   • Ataxic CP: Marked by coordination and balance issues, leading to unsteady movements.
   • Mixed CP: A combination of the above types.

2. Associated Symptoms:

   • Cognitive Impairments: Some individuals may have intellectual disabilities, while others may have average or above-average intelligence.
   • Speech and Communication Challenges: Difficulty with verbal communication and language skills.
   • Seizures: Many individuals with CP also experience epilepsy.
   • Sensory Impairments: Vision or hearing issues may be present.

Causes

Cerebral palsy can result from several factors, including:

1. Prenatal Factors:

   • Infections during pregnancy (e.g., rubella, cytomegalovirus).
   • Exposure to toxins or drugs.
   • Maternal health conditions (e.g., diabetes, thyroid issues).

2. Perinatal Factors:

   • Complications during delivery, such as oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) or trauma to the brain.

3. Postnatal Factors:

   • Infections (e.g., meningitis) or severe jaundice in the newborn period.

Diagnosis

• Typically diagnosed in infancy or early childhood through a combination of clinical evaluations, developmental assessments, and imaging studies (e.g., MRI).
• A multidisciplinary approach often involves pediatricians, neurologists, and therapists.