Cerebral palsy is a difficult diagnosis for any parent to deal with. The term cerebral palsy refers to a group of neurological disorders, not a disease. These disorders can affect children's movement and posture in a range of ways. Some children may need a considerable amount of care throughout their lives while others may not need any special assistance, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Getting treatment as early as possible is important to improve children's prognosis.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy
Most children with cerebral palsy are born with it; abnormalities in the brain cause the condition. There are cases, however, where cerebral palsy develops after birth. This can occur in babies who sustain brain injuries due to infections, abuse or accidents. It can take time before signs of the condition are recognized in children because many are not noticeable until they begin to attempt sitting, crawling or walking. Signs are typically noticed before the age of 3, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Movement
Brain dysfunction affects the nerves and muscles, causing the signs and symptoms associated with cerebral palsy. The condition makes children's muscles stiff and affects their reflexes. The result is some of the common mobility challenges children with this condition face. They may have limited control of their movements, making actions such as writing difficult. Walking can be a significant challenge, as a common sign of cerebral palsy is walking with a foot or leg dragging.
Posture
Cerebral palsy can also prevent children from having correct posture. While some children with this condition have stiff muscles, others may lack muscle tone, making sitting up properly a challenge. Posture is also affected when children tend to slump to one side. Some spinal conditions that are known complications of cerebral palsy affect their ability to sit up straight as well. One such example is scoliosis, a deformity in which the spine is curved.
Treatment Options
No cure is available for cerebral palsy, so treatment is focused on managing complications related to the condition. Medications, including muscle relaxants, are used to reduce stiffness. The integral components of treatment, however, are centered on the many types of therapy used to improve children's independence and quality of life. Physical and occupational therapies are used to improve muscle function and motor skills. Speech therapy can not only improve children's communication skills but also their ability to swallow. Surgical procedures are used to treat muscle and bone deformities in some cases.
