Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders affecting muscle and movement; it is caused by damage to the brain during pregnancy, at birth or in early childhood. The effects of cerebral palsy vary, depending on the degree of damage and on the area of the brain that is injured, as described by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Symptoms of cerebral palsy may result from damage to the central nervous system or from abnormal muscle and bone development. The effects are usually a combination of symptoms.
Abnormal Muscle Tone
People with cerebral palsy have abnormal muscle tone. Muscle tone refers to the involuntary tension, or resistance, continually present in muscles that contributes to posture. For example, muscle tone helps the head and torso stay erect when walking or standing. The body, brain and spinal cord coordinate nerve impulses to maintain muscle tone. However, in persons with cerebral palsy, the area of the brain that controls muscle tone is damaged, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As a result, the muscles may become too tight or too loose, causing body movements to be slow or difficult to control.
Abnormal Reflexes
Abnormal reflexes, or a faulty involuntary movement to a stimulus, may occur among people with cerebral palsy, according to a research article in the January 2006 issue of "American Family Physician." In healthy children, reflexes seen in infants disappear and are replaced with reflexes involved in maintaining posture and voluntary movement. For children with cerebral palsy, some reflexes seen in infants, such as the Babinski and Moro reflexes, continue and the posture reflexes may not develop appropriately. As a result, movements may be uncontrolled and random.
Balance and Movement Difficulties
Difficulty with balancing or controlling body movement may occur among individuals with cerebral palsy. In cerebral palsy, the areas of the brain managing these activities are damaged and the nerve impulses needed for typical movement and balance are lacking. Performing basic activities, such as walking or putting on clothes may be challenging.
Deformed Bones
Cerebral palsy may cause the bones and joints to not develop correctly. The pressure from adjacent muscles, tendons, joints and other body tissues help to form the shape of a bone. This pressure is distorted in cerebral palsy, which can lead to malformed bones. As a result, bones may be twisted or curved.
Deficient Muscle Development
Individuals with cerebral palsy may have inadequate muscle development. Muscles grow when they are stretched during activities. Cerebral palsy may cause muscles to not develop appropriately, as children with cerebral palsy often lack the ability to do physical activities that stretch muscles. As a result, tight and shortened muscles develop, leading to pain and further impairment.
Compensation for Impairments
People with cerebral palsy may compensate for the physical effects of the condition. For example, a person with a stiff knee may have difficulty bending the knee when walking. When walking, the person compensates for the inability to bend the knee by swinging the foot around instead of straight ahead. Compensation behaviors typically stop when they are no longer needed.
Related Health and Cognitive Concerns
Individuals with cerebral palsy may have related health and cognitive concerns, as noted in the April 2009 edition of "Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities." Some health concerns include seizures, depression and difficulties with breathing, seeing or hearing. Cognitive concerns accompanying cerebral palsy include short attention span and difficulties with learning or speech.
References
- "American Family Physician"; Cerebral Palsy: An Overview; Karen Krigger; January 2006.
- "Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities"; Effects of Cerebral Palsy on Neuropsychological Function; Kathryn Straub and John Obrzut; April 2009.
- "Cerebral Palsy: Hope Through Research"; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; December 2009.
