As they grow older, they may struggle to sit up straight as a result of their weakened muscles. They can also have difficulty speaking, poor reflexes, and walking abnormalities.
Ataxic CP is the least common type of CP. Ataxic CP is characterized by voluntary muscle movements that often appear disorganized, clumsy , or jerky. People with this form of CP usually have problems with balance and coordination.
They may have difficulty walking and performing fine motor functions, such as grasping objects and writing. Some people have a combination of symptoms from the different types of CP. This is called mixed CP. They may need assistive devices, such as leg and arm braces, when first learning to walk. They also may need to use a wheelchair to get around outside of their home.
They need handheld assistive devices, such as a walker or cane, while walking indoors. They also need a wheelchair to get around outside of the home.
They need support to sit and stand, and they may be able to control a motorized wheelchair. A doctor will diagnose CP by taking a complete medical history, performing a physical exam that includes a detailed neurological exam, and evaluating the symptoms. Additional testing can also be performed:. If your doctor confirms CP, they may refer you to a specialist who can test for neurological problems that are often associated with the disorder.
These tests may detect:. The goal of treatment is to improve limitations and prevent complications. Treatment may include assistive aids, medications, and surgery. Oral anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants are commonly used as first-line treatments for CP. Your doctor might prescribe:. Your doctor might also suggest local injections of botulinum toxin type A Botox or intrathecal baclofen therapy, where the drug is delivered by an implantable pump.
Orthopedic surgery may be used to relieve pain and improve mobility. Asphyxia is the lack of oxygen to the brain. This can happen while the baby is still in utero and during childbirth. Loss of oxygen for prolonged periods can lead to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, a medical issue marked by damaged cerebral motor cortex tissue and damaged tissue in and other areas of the brain.
As previously mentioned, the body parts affected by cerebral palsy will depend on the severity and the type of the disorder. All four limbs are affected when children have quadriplegic cerebral palsy, also known as spastic quadriplegia. Children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy may have mouth issues and difficulties with swallowing.
In severe cases, children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy are unable to walk or talk and may develop limb deformities. Diplegia, also known as spastic diplegia, is a subset of spastic cerebral palsy marked by issues in the limbs, specifically in the legs. Spasticity in the legs leads to stiff, jerky movements and hypertonia. According to the U.
Department of Health and Human Services, along with muscle weakness and stiffness in the limbs, children with spastic diplegia tend to walk on their toes. They can also have problems with their eyes crossing, balance issues, and delayed milestones. Due to stiff and tight muscles, some children with spastic diplegia walk with a scissor gate.
In a scissor gate, the legs turn inward and the knees close together or crossed. In extreme cases, children may not be able to walk. But resources and therapies can help kids grow and develop to their greatest potential. As soon as CP is diagnosed, a child can begin therapy for movement and other areas that need help, such as learning, speech , hearing, and social and emotional development.
Many will need assistive devices like braces or wheelchairs. Medicine helps kids who have a lot of muscle pain and stiffness. They can take medicine by mouth, G-tube , or get it through a pump the baclofen pump placed under the skin. Surgery can help fix dislocated hips and scoliosis curved spine , which are common in kids with CP. Leg braces help with walking. Kids can improve their bone health by having a diet that's high in calcium , vitamin D , and phosphorus. These nutrients help keep bones strong.
Doctors, dietitians, and speech-language therapists can work with families to make sure kids get enough of the right nutrients and suggest changes to their diets or mealtime routines, if needed. Kids with CP often need to see many different medical specialists for care. That team may include doctors and surgeons, other providers like physical assistants, nurses, therapists, psychologists, educators, and social workers.
Even if many medical specialists are needed, it's still important to have a primary care provider or a medical home. The cause of cerebral palsy and its effect on function vary greatly. Some people with cerebral palsy can walk; others need assistance. Some people have intellectual disabilities, but others do not. Epilepsy, blindness or deafness also might be present. Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disorder. There is no cure, but treatments can help improve function.
Signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary greatly from person to person. Cerebral palsy can affect the whole body, or it might be limited primarily to one or two limbs, or one side of the body. Generally, signs and symptoms include problems with movement and coordination, speech and eating, development, and other problems.
The brain disorder causing cerebral palsy doesn't change with time, so the symptoms usually don't worsen with age. However, as the child gets older, some symptoms might become more or less apparent. And muscle shortening and muscle rigidity can worsen if not treated aggressively. It's important to get a prompt diagnosis for a movement disorder or delays in your child's development. See your child's doctor if you have concerns about episodes of loss of awareness of surroundings or of unusual bodily movements or muscle tone, impaired coordination, swallowing difficulties, eye muscle imbalance, or other developmental issues.
Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain. This usually happens before a child is born, but it can occur at birth or in early infancy. In many cases, the cause isn't known. Many factors can lead to problems with brain development. Some include:. Certain infections or toxic exposures during pregnancy can significantly increase cerebral palsy risk to the baby.
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