Summary
- Cerebral palsy is an umbrella-like term used to describe a group of chronic disorders which all entail impairing control of movement.
- These disorders appear in the first few years of life and generally do not worsen over time.
- Several of the causes of cerebral palsy that have been identified through research are preventable or treatable.
- Research suggests that cerebral palsy results from incorrect cell development early in pregnancy.
Description
Cerebral palsy is an umbrella-like term used to describe a group of chronic disorders. These disorders all entail impairing control of movement and appear in the first few years of life and generally do not worsen over time.
At this time, cerebral palsy cannot be cured, but due to medical research, many patients can enjoy near-normal lives if their neurological problems are properly managed.
Cause
Faulty development of or damage to motor areas in the brain that disrupts the brain's ability to control movement and posture may cause these disorders. Cerebral palsy may be congenital or acquired after birth. S
everal of the causes of cerebral palsy that have been identified through research are preventable or treatable e.g. head injury, jaundice, Rh incompatibility and rubella (German measles).
Symptoms
Symptoms of cerebral palsy include difficulty with fine motor tasks (such as
writing or using scissors), difficulty maintaining balance or walking and
involuntary movements. The symptoms differ from person to person and may change
over time.
Some people with cerebral palsy are also affected by other medical disorders,
including seizures or mental impairment, but cerebral palsy does not always
cause profound handicap.
Early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before three years of age.
Infants with cerebral palsy are frequently slow to reach developmental
milestones such as learning to roll over, sit, crawl, smile or walk.
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose cerebral palsy by testing motor skills and reflexes, looking into medical history and employing a variety of specialized tests. Although its symptoms may change over time, cerebral palsy by definition is not progressive. Thus, if a patient shows increased impairment, the problem may be something other than cerebral palsy.
Treatment
There is no standard therapy that works for all patients. Medication can be used to control seizures and muscle spasms while special braces can compensate for muscle imbalance. Surgery and mechanical aids to help overcome impairments may be employed. Counselling for emotional and psychological needs and physical, occupational, speech and behavioural therapy are often needed.
Reviewed by Dr Andrew Rose-Innes, MD, Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven.
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