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Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects an individual's muscle tone, movement and posture. It is a group of disorders caused by injury to an immature, developing brain before birth. Its symptoms become apparent during infancy and preschool years.
People with cerebral palsy have difficulty swallowing, eye-muscle coordination, and involuntary movements. They often have a reduced range of motion at the joints caused by muscle stiffness.
The cause of the development of cerebral palsy and its effect on various body functions varies greatly. Some people can walk, while others require assistance. Some may have intellectual disabilities, while others may not. People with cerebral palsy may also have epilepsy, blindness, or deafness. It is crucial to note that cerebral palsy is a lifelong disorder. This condition has no cure. Treatment helps manage symptoms and improve function.
Based on the affected part of the brain, cerebral palsy is of four types:
Most people experience a combination of the above types. Also, the effects of different types become apparent as the child grows and begins to perform basic functions such as walking.
The symptoms of cerebral palsy are different in different individuals. In some cases, it may affect the whole body, while in others, it may be limited to a limb or two. General symptoms are:
Cerebral palsy does not improve with age but rather worsens. However, with growing age, some symptoms become less apparent. On the other hand, muscle rigidity and shortening can worsen if not treated on time.
Cerebral palsy develops due to abnormal brain development, injury, or damage to a developing brain. The damage usually occurs when the baby is not born but may also occur at the time of birth or early infancy. The main cause of the disorder is not known. However, some factors that may contribute include:
The symptoms of cerebral palsy take time to develop and may not be apparent until a few months to a year after birth. Hence, it takes time for the condition to be diagnosed. Diagnosis may be delayed due to mild signs and symptoms in some cases.
If the paediatrician suspects cerebral palsy, they may evaluate the child's symptoms and monitor their growth and development. Further, they review the child's medical history and conduct a physical examination. Finally, they may refer to a specialist, such as paediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, paediatric neurologist, and child developmental specialist if indicated.
They may also advise some tests to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other causes of the symptoms. Some scans include:
Patients with cerebral palsy require lifelong care with a medical care team. The medical team comprises a paediatrician, neurologist, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, and mental health specialist.
It is imperative to understand that there is no cure for cerebral palsy. However, treatment can help improve the quality of life. Different treatment modalities help children perform daily activities with ease and include therapies, medications, surgical procedures, and other necessary treatments.
Cerebral palsy can contribute to numerous muscle and coordination complications during childhood and adulthood, which include:
Numerous risk factors are associated with cerebral palsy. These include:
Reviewed by Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Associate Director and Head (Parkinson's Disease Unit), Neurosciences, Neurology on 23-Jan-2023.
Max Healthcare is home to 4800+ eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
Max Healthcare is home to 4800+ eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective fields. Additionally, they are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary clinical procedures.
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