Going Back to Basics about Cerebral Palsy

How well do you understand Cerebral Palsy? 

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition caused by injury to the parts of the brain that control our ability to use our muscles and bodies. Cerebral means having to do with the brain. Palsy means problems with using the muscles. Often the injury happens before birth, sometimes during delivery, or soon after being born. Physical symptoms typically appear in the first few years of life hence the need of early intervention.   Infants with cerebral palsy are frequently slow to reach developmental milestones such as learning to roll over, sit, crawl, smile, or walk.

CP can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild CP may mean a child is clumsy, moderate CP may mean the child walks with a limp or may need a special leg brace or a cane. More severe CP can affect all parts of a child’s physical abilities. A child with moderate or severe CP may have to use a wheelchair and other special equipment. Sometimes children with CP can also have learning problems, speech, problems with hearing or seeing, intellectual differences, and behavioral or emotional challenges. 

What Causes CP? 

• head injury
• jaundice and mengitis
• Rh incompatibility
• rubella (German measles)
• conditions relating to premature birth
• and stroke (caused by a variety of conditions, some causes unknown)
• birth complications - prolonged labour

How is CP managed?

• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• oral medications
• speech therapy
• behavioral therapy
• drugs used to control seizures and muscle spasms
• special braces or orthotics can compensate for muscle imbalance
• splinting to improve muscle function
• orthopedic surgery to correct contractures or improve function
• counseling for emotional and psychological needs

Let us know if you have any questions regarding the basics