What is Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone or posture. It's caused by damage that occurs to the immature brain as it develops, most often before birth. In many cases, vision, hearing, and sensation are also affected.
Symptoms:-
An infant with cerebral palsy may have muscular and movement problems, including poor muscle tone. Muscle tone refers to a person's automatic ability to tighten and relax muscle when required.
- Overdeveloped or underdeveloped muscles, leading to stiff or floppy movements
- Poor coordination and balance, known as ataxia
- Involuntary, slow writhing movements, or athetosis
- Stiff muscles that contract abnormally, known as spastic paralysis
- Crawling in an unusual way
- Lying down in awkward positions
- Favoring one side of the body over the other
- A limited range of movement
Once initial symptoms or developmental delays are noticed, the child’s doctor will run a number of diagnostic tests, including brain imaging to identify areas of brain injury. Imaging types include:
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), which provides a three-dimensional view of the brain.
- CT (computed tomography) scan, which takes X-rays of the brain from multiple angles to provide a cross-section view of the brain.
- EEG (electroencephalogram), which measures electrical activity within the brain.
- Ultrasound, which uses high-powered sound waves to provide an image of the brain.
- Hearing impairment
- Vision impairment
- Cognitive function
- Other symptoms that frequently co-occur with cerebral palsy
A variety of treatment options can improve symptoms and quality of life for babies and children. Many interventions can be started immediately after a diagnosis is given.
- Baclofen or other muscle relaxants
- Diazepam
- Anticonvulsants
- Anticholinergics
- Antacids
- Stool softeners/laxatives
- Sleep aids
- Physical
- Occupational
- Feeding
- Aqua
- Horse and animal
- Music
- Play
- Behavioral
- Speech/Language
- Bowel program
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