Cerebral palsy, or CP, refers to a variety of neurological disorders that occur during infancy and childhood where body movement and muscle control are permanently affected. Cerebral palsy happens because of deformities in the cerebral cortex of the brain which controls movement, notes the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). As of June 2010, there is no cure for cerebral palsy.
Early Developmental Delays
The first signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before the age of three. Parents are often the first to report that their child is not accomplishing milestones in comparison to other children, including rolling over, crawling, sitting without support and walking. According to the NINDS, some babies show signs of cerebral palsy by having a floppy appearance or decreased muscle tone. Other babies have signs of hypertonia, or a rigid, stiff appearance.
Seizures
The NINDS notes that nearly half of all children with cerebral palsy have seizures due to irregular electrical brain activity. The seizures CP children experience could consists of minor muscle twitches and mental confusion, or be severe where the entire body is involved.
Mental Impairment
According to the Associated Conditions of Cerebral Palsy website, about a third of cerebral palsy children will have mild mental impairment and another third will be moderately to severely impaired. Generally, mental impairment is most common in children with spastic quadriplegia, where the entire body is affected. Of those impaired, 85 percent will be mildly impaired, showing trouble with managing daily home activities, social skills and academic achievements.
Hearing Impairment
Hearing impairment, caused by nerve damage, is more common in cerebral palsy in comparison to the general population, notes the NINDS, resulting in difficulty forming words and speaking clearly. Approximately a third of those with cerebral palsy are hearing impaired, notes the NINDS.
Delayed Growth and Development
Children with moderate to severe CP have delays in growth and development, also referred to as failure-to-thrive. The NINDS notes that failure-to-thrive is most common in spastic quadriparesis. Babies may not gain enough weight; young children may have short statures; and teenagers may lack sexual development and/or have short statures. There is also abnormal limb growth in many CO children. Because CP children use additional calories to accomplish movement, if nutritional intake is inadequate, appropriate weight gain will not occur. There might also be difficulties with chewing and swallowing, which can also interfere with childhood growth patterns.
Abnormal Perceptions and Sensations
Some CP children have abnormal touch sensitivity, a conditiong known as stereognosia. With their eyes closed, CP children may be unable to tell the difference between a foam cube and a hard cube.
