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Cerebral palsy is a condition characterised by poor muscle control, spasticity, paralysis and other neurological defects. It is caused by brain injury occurring either prior to, during or after birth. Cerebral palsy is not a disease, does not become worse with time and cannot be cured.
Impairment of movement ranges from minimal to severely disabling. People with the disorder may be mentally disabled or may have normal intelligence. Some have seizures and many have speech disorders. Proper treatment should be started early. Usually the cause of cerebral palsy is unknown. 10 to 15% of cases are attributed to birth trauma or lack of oxygen during labour. It is more likely to occur where there is a history of prematurity, diseases during the pregnancy such as German measles, radiation exposure, or maternal diabetes. Other pre- disposing factors during birth include a detached placenta, prolonged labour, breech birth and multiple births. Causes during infancy include brain infections, head trauma, and near drowning. There are three major types of cerebral palsy. About 7 out of 10 patients have the spastic form. Their muscles contract and relax rapidly. Affected limbs are weak and poorly developed. A second form affects about 2 out of 10 patients. It involves twitching or jerking the person cannot control. This increases during stress and stops entirely during sleep. A third form affects about 1 in 10 patients. It involves poor balance, slow reflexes, and muscle weakness. Early detection is key to effective treatment. Screening for cerebral palsy should be a regular part of a child's 6-month check-up. CEREBRAL PALSY SHOULD BE SUSPECTED IF AN INFANT HAS: - a hard time sucking or keeping a nipple in his mouth
- tremors or infrequent movements and
- legs that are hard to separate, for instance during a nappy change
Treatment may include medications to control seizures and spastic movement. Many children wear leg braces or splints. Exercises, physiotherapy, and surgery may improve very taut muscles. A device can provide a valve to help in bladder control. Special household supplies, such as low toilets with arms, are available. The child should rely on himself as much as possible to wash, dress, and eat. Children with milder forms should attend regular school. Severely disabled children need special classes. For more information, contact the Spastic Centre in your state or territory. Article #4591 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
