CP
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of permanent movement and posture disorders caused by non-progressive disturbances in the developing brain, typically before, during, or shortly after birth. It is the most common motor disability in childhood and affects muscle tone, coordination, and motor skills. The severity and symptoms of CP can vary widely, ranging from mild to severe, and it may also involve sensory, cognitive, and communication impairments.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is categorized based on the type and distribution of movement disorders:
- Spastic Cerebral Palsy
- Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy
- Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
- Mixed Cerebral Palsy
Causes of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy results from abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain. The specific cause is often unknown, but several factors can contribute:
Prenatal Factors:
- Infections: Maternal infections such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, or toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can increase the risk of CP.
- Premature Birth: Babies born prematurely are at higher risk, especially if they have complications such as intraventricular hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain).
- Perinatal Stroke: A stroke occurring before, during, or shortly after birth can damage the brain and lead to CP.
- Multiple Births: Twins or higher-order multiples are at increased risk, partly due to the higher likelihood of premature birth and other complications.
Perinatal Factors:
- Asphyxia: A lack of oxygen to the brain during birth (e.g., due to a difficult delivery or umbilical cord problems) can cause brain damage and result in CP.
- Birth Complications: Complications such as prolonged labor or a breech delivery can increase the risk of brain injury.
Postnatal Factors:
- Infections: Severe infections like meningitis or encephalitis after birth can lead to brain damage and CP.
- Head Injury: Traumatic brain injury in early childhood, such as from a fall or accident, can cause CP.
- Jaundice: Severe untreated jaundice (kernicterus) can damage the brain's basal ganglia, leading to CP.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary depending on the type and severity of the disorder. Common signs include:
Motor Impairments:
- Delayed milestones (e.g., sitting, crawling, walking).
- Abnormal muscle tone (either too stiff or too floppy).
- Poor coordination and balance.
- Involuntary movements or tremors.
- Difficulty with fine motor skills (e.g., writing, buttoning clothes).
Posture and Gait Abnormalities:
- Scissoring gait (legs cross at the knees).
- Toe walking.
- Asymmetrical movements (e.g., using one hand more than the other).
Associated Disorders:
- Intellectual Disabilities: Some children with CP may have cognitive impairments, though this is not always the case.
- Speech and Language Disorders: Difficulty speaking or understanding language, often due to motor control issues affecting the muscles involved in speech.
- Seizures: Children with CP are at an increased risk of epilepsy.
- Vision or Hearing Impairments: Some children may have strabismus (crossed eyes), hearing loss, or other sensory issues.
Services provided :
- Physiotherapy Advise
- Orthotic and Prosthetic Recommendations
- Surgery
If you would like to have additional information contact Dr. Vipul Shet, serving communities and people from all walks of live.
