Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a variety of neurological conditions that first appear in childhood. The disease causes permanent damage that affects muscles and body movements, though its origin is in the brain, report doctors at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Most children with cerebral palsy are born with the disability.
Causes
Doctors at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that brain damage to a fetus in the first six months of pregnancy caused by a genetic disorder or a lack of blood supply to the brain results in cerebral palsy. Infections, injury, lack of oxygen or severe jaundice after birth also can cause the condition.
Diagnosis
Cerebral palsy often goes unnoticed in infancy but typically is diagnosed by the time a child turns three.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cerebral palsy include stiff or tight muscles, lack of coordination and exaggerated reflexes. As they begin to walk, children with the condition may drag one foot, walk on their toes or move with a scissor-like gait.
Treatment
There is no cure for cerebral palsy. Children improve with physical and occupational therapy that help them compensate for the lack of muscle control.
Medicine
Medications to manage pain and control seizures sometimes are needed in severe cases. Some children are helped with surgery to correct physical abnormalities that develop.
Accessories
Children with more severe symptoms often use crutches or wheelchairs for mobility and may utilize other assistive technology devices such as talking computers.
