| |
Cerebral Palsy-Helpful informationWhat is it?
Cerebral palsy is a common condition in children. It is a permanent physical condition and affects movements. Cerebral palsy basically refers to a group of disorders that impair control of movement. It appears in the first few years of life, but does not worsen over a period of time. This occurs due to improper development of or damage to the motor areas in the brain. Children suffering from cerebral palsy may not be able to talk, eat, walk and perform tasks like normal
kids. Cerebral palsy leads to loss of sensation, communication problems and frequent seizures.
Cause of Cerebral Palsy
Though the exact cause is not known, most cases of cerebral palsy have been attributed to brain damage, during or after birth. Some major causes are asphyxia, hypoxia of the brain, birth traumas, premature birth, infections in the mother during or before birth and hematomas.After birth, cerebral palsy is caused due to some toxins, physical brain injury, encephalitis and meningitis. Premature kids stand the highest risk of getting cerebral palsy. Many children with cerebral palsy have a congenital malformation in the brain.
Diagnosis
Normal development milestones such as walking, talking, and sitting are basic motor functions. Delay in these developmental skills can indicate cerebral palsy. Abnormal muscle tone, abnormal movements and reflexes also indicate cerebral palsy. Diagnosis of cerebral palsy involves a waiting period for specific development of certain motor problems. Diagnosis of cerebral palsy cannot be done by an X-ray or blood test. Children with normal brain scans may also have cerebral palsy. Thus, MRI's and CT scans are not sure diagnostic tests for cerebral palsy.
Treatment
There is no specific cure for cerebral palsy. Various forms of therapy have been found to be helpful in effective functioning of an affected child. Individual treatment programs vary as no two children have the same type of cerebral palsy. A therapeutic exercise program will be a part of the treatment. Drugs may be prescribed to prevent seizures in children. Physical therapy helps improve the development of large muscles in the legs, arms and abdomen. This therapy enables children learn better ways to move and balance. Speech and Language therapy helps develop better control of jaw and mouth muscles. Children receiving proper therapy have fewer movement limitations and can lead an almost normal life.
Types of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy refers to a group of conditions that describe chronic disorders impairing control of movement. These disorders are not caused by problems in the muscles or nerves outside the brain but are caused by faulty development or damage to...
Cerebral Palsy Genetic-'Chromosomal Aberrations'
Glossary: Cerebral palsy causes damage to the nervous system due to certain injuries or diseases occurring before or during birth. This is also called 'Brain damage' or 'Developmental Brain Malformation'. The major types of cerebral palsy are...
Cerebral Palsy Treatment
Although cerebral palsy cannot be completely cured, treatment can often improve a child's capabilities. There is no standard treatment that works for all patients. A treatment plan can include some approaches such as drugs to control seizures and...
Mild Cerebral palsy - 'Leading a Normal Life.'
The Misery Toll: Mild cerebral palsy could also be called the 'chronic childhood disability'. It occurs in 1.4 to 2.7% of the childbirths. The premature babies are more susceptible to this malfunction. This grabs them twenty five times more...
Early Sign of Cerebral Palsy
Early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before a child is 3 years of age, and often parents are the first to suspect that their infant is not developing motor skills the way he normally should. Infants suffering from cerebral palsy are...
|
|
|
|
|
