Cerebral palsy refers to a whole group of physical disabilities that are non-progressive and non-contagious in nature. As the term suggests, the disability springs from brain dysfunction, and results in impaired body movement.
The nervous system comprises the brain, spinal cord, and numerous intertwining nerve fibers that connect delicate tissue. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a nervous-system dysfunction, that results from damage of nerve tissue in and around the brain, and non-progressive disturbances within the developing brain. The term is derived from ‘cerebral’―a reference to brain segments such as the cerebrum, cortex, and cerebellum, and ‘palsy’―a medical term that relates to movement disorder. It is caused by any damage to the brain’s motor control centers. Such damage can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or even later on, up to the age of three. The onslaught affects the development of body posture and movement, and limits activity. CP manifests in the form of distraught sensation, cognition and perception to internal and external stimuli, development of epilepsy, musculoskeletal diseases, and communication and behavior issues. The condition was first identified in 1860 by Dr. William Little.
The most common type is Spastic CP. The condition manifests due to a damage to the corticospinal tract. This inhibits the ability of the nervous system to receive vital gamma amino butyric acid in the affected region, thus resulting in distorted body movements. Spastic hemiplegia affects one side of the body. Injury to the muscle-nerves controlled by the brain’s right side causes deficit on the left side, and vice versa. Spastic diplegia affects the lower extremities. The condition manifests in the form of a scissors gait, flexed knees and hips, and strabismus or cross-eyes. Spastic quadriplegia, on the other hand, affects all four limbs equally. The condition is characterized by hemiparetic tremors.
CP approximately affects 2 in every 1,000 live births. Research reveals that the incidence rate is higher in males, at a ratio of 1.33. The incidence increases with very low-weight and/or premature babies, regardless of the quality of prenatal and postnatal care. Comorbidities observed in children suffering the onslaught of the condition include mental disadvantage, blindness, and active seizures. The diagnosis involves CT and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
The condition cannot be cured, but with the help of various treatment and therapies, it can help improve the child’s capabilities. In many children the improvement can be as good as a normal person. To get the best results from the treatment, it should be started as soon as it is diagnosed. The treatment totally depends upon the type of cerebral palsy. Following are some of the treatments which may help in improving this condition.
- Drugs, such as benzodiazepienes, intrathecal phenol/baclofen and baclofen, to control seizures, muscle spasms and alleviate pain.
- Surgery to rectify anatomical abnormalities and/or relax taut muscles.
- Botox, to address contracting muscles.
- Administration of hyperbaric oxygen, to improve oxygen availability to damaged brain cells.
To improve everyday skills like talking, understanding, learning, and developing social and interpersonal skills, few therapies are very commonly used, and are quite effective.
- Speech therapy to control the mouth and jaw muscles and improve communication.
- Physical therapy to improve gait and volitional movement.
- Occupational therapy to adapt to limitations and live independently.
- Medical intervention via communication aids such as computers fitted with voice synthesizers.
- Standing frames to help reduce spasticity.
- Neuro-cognitive therapy and patterning.
Recently, German doctors performed stem cell therapy on a 2-year old boy, for the first time. The therapy was performed taking frozen blood from his umbilical cord. The initiative was a success and the boy, who was in a vegetative state, started talking and walking.
Cerebral palsy is characterized by abnormal muscle tone and poor motor reflexes. Hence, the treatment options for this condition focus on improving motor development and coordination. They are all designed to address and correct varying extent bone deformities and contractures. The most important of all treatment options is medical and social intervention to educate the family on the causes of onslaught and the fatalities in the continuum of motor dysfunction.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be replaced for the advice of a medical professional.