Cerebral palsy is a condition in which movement is impaired because the brain is unable to send proper signals to the muscles. In spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy, movement on one side of the body is affected.
Causes
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage that affects a child's movement. Such damage could occur during fetal development and during or after childbirth. "Child and Adolescent Neurology for Psychiatrists," by Audrey M. Walker explains that vascular injury--such as a stroke--in a particular area of the brain cortex often results in spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy.
Characteristics
Injury in the right side of the brain cortex is indicated by left sided spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy and vice versa. Children who have spastic hemiplegia typically don't walk early and walk on the tips of their toes when they do start walking. Also, the limbs on the affected side are shorter and thinner than those on the unaffected side. Additionally, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, intelligence is often normal in children affected by this condition, but speech is delayed.
Treatment
There is no cure for spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy. However, physical therapy is used to prevent muscle wasting and stiffening. Surgery, drug treatments, as well as speech, language and occupational therapy are used to manage this condition, along with various assistive devices or technologies.
References
- "Child and Adolescent Neurology for Psychiatrists"; Audrey M. Walker; 2008
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Cerebral Palsy: Hope Through Research
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Cerebral Palsy
