Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term for a group of disorders that affect a child's coordination and body movements. Cerebral palsy results from damage to the motor areas of the brain. Damage can occur before, during or shortly after birth during the first few years of life.
Types
There are three types of cerebral palsy. Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type and is generally characterized by stiff muscles and jerky movements. In athetoid cerebral palsy, a child develops involuntary movements that interfere with coordinated movements, such as those required for speaking and other abilities. Ataxic cerebral palsy is a rare form that affects a child's balance and perception.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cerebral palsy are varied and range from mild to severe. Symptoms include lack of muscle coordination, excessive drooling, stiff muscles, difficulty swallowing or speaking and a difficult or awkward gait such as dragging one leg when walking.
Cause
In some cases, it is difficult to determine the underlying cause of the brain damage that results in cerebral palsy. There are several possible causes such as lack of oxygen, severe jaundice, stroke and congenital abnormalities. Infections such as chickenpox, German measles, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, meningitis and viral encephalitis have also been linked to cerebral palsy.
Risk Factors
Certain factors such as premature birth, breech birth and low birth weight may increase the risk of cerebral palsy. A pregnancy that consists of more than one fetus may also increase the risk that a child will develop cerebral palsy. Children of women who have been exposed to toxic substances or who have thyroid problems, seizures or mental retardation are also at an increased risk of cerebral palsy.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy usually requires long-term care, depending on the severity. There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but problems resulting from the condition can be treated with medication, therapy and surgery. Stiff muscles are generally treated with muscle relaxants. Physical therapy and braces can help a child walk better. Speech therapy may be recommended to help improve the child's ability to speak more clearly. Sign language is also an alternative that can be considered. Surgical procedures can correct deformities and may also be used to sever nerves to allow muscle relaxation.
Prevention
Cerebral palsy is not preventable in all cases but proper prenatal care is in the best interest of both mother and child. Make sure you have been immunized against communicable diseases such as rubella (German measles). Keep scheduled appointments with your physician and follow his instructions. Avoid alcohol consumption, smoking cigarettes and contact with any possible toxic substances.
