Cerebral palsy describes a group of non-progressive neurological disorders caused by damage to the brain. The brain damage disrupts the transmission of signals from the brain to the body resulting in a lack of muscle coordination leading to movement problems. The symptoms of cerebral palsy, a disorder that affects two to four of every 1000 births, according to the Mayo Clinic, become noticeable in infants. Because the brain damage cannot be reversed, cerebral palsy cannot be cured. However, there are several different types of therapies that can treat associated conditions to help infants increase their capabilities.
Forms
All forms of cerebral palsy cause movement disorders, but the type of disorder varies depending on the extent and location of the brain damage. Doctors classify some cerebral palsy disorders as spastic, meaning the muscles become stiff. Athetoid forms of cerebral palsy cause writhing muscle movments while ataxic forms cause poor balance and coordination, according to the National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke.
Associated Conditions
The brain damage that causes cerebral palsy can also cause many other conditions. The National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke reveals that approximately two-thirds of all those with cerebral palsy also suffer from some degree of mental retardation while approximately half suffer from seizure disorder. Other associated conditions include spinal deformities, impaired vision, impaired hearing, impaired speech and incontinence.
Symptoms
The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary depending on the location of the brain damage. Therapy treatments aim to reduce symptoms while increasing the infant's ability to overcome developmental delays. Common symptoms include trouble sitting upright, uncontrollable shaking, weak muscles, body tremors, difficulty moving and trouble sucking that can interfere with either nursing or drinking from a bottle, as described by CerebralPalsy.org.
Therapy
Successfully treating cerebral palsy requires a combination of different therapies to help the infant overcome developmental disabilities. The earlier treatment begins, the better chance the infant and then child has to accomplish challenging tasks, according to the National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke. Physical therapy helps to stretch the infant's muscles and prevent deformities. Occupational therapy can help the parent and the infant learn how to perform daily tasks. As infants begin verbal communications, speech therapy can help them overcome swallowing disorders.
Medications
Although medications cannot improve the brain damage, they can help to relieve some symptoms. Muscle relaxants, such as diazepam, help to relax stiff contracted muscles. As infants become children, they may benefit from an implantable pump that provides a continuous flow of the muscle relaxant baclofen around the spinal cord, according to the Merck Manual. Cerebral palsy patients that experience seizures may require anticonvulsant medications to treat them.
Surgery
Infants who fail to overcome severe physical disabilities may benefit from surgical procedures performed during childhood. Doctors can perform a procedure to lengthen the tendons of stiff muscles that limit movement. They can also cut some nerve roots in the spinal cord to reduce spasticity.
