One can define cerebral palsy as a neurological
disorder. This is a simple and straightforward definition of the condition. For
parents of children with the disorder however, a more comprehensive definition
is needed. It is easier to understand cerebral palsy when one defines it through
its causes, symptoms, types and diagnosis.
Causes
The causes of congenital cerebral palsy are not fully
understood. It is quite possible though that certain factors may contribute to
its development. These factors may include Rh incompatibility between mother and
child, maternal infection with rubella, and a lack of nutrients and oxygen
during fetal development. In rare cases, an infant may also develop the
condition shortly after birth. This may happen when there is head trauma or a
lack of oxygen during birth.
Researchers who define cerebral palsy also know that the
condition can emerge after birth. This can happen if a baby suffers from
bacterial or viral infections. Cerebral palsy can also be the result of severe
injury to the head.
Types
There are different types of cerebral palsy. Information
about the various types will also help parents define cerebral palsy more
accurately. Treatment of the condition will depend on the type.
· Spastic- This is the most common type of cerebral
palsy. At the most, ¾ of individuals with cerebral palsy have this type. This
type results in the stiffening of muscles. The muscles are most often unable to
relax. The condition may affect one side of the body, two limbs, three limbs or
all four limbs.
· Ataxic- This is not a very common type with only
around ten in one hundred of those with cerebral palsy having it. This type
affects a person's coordination, balance and perception of depth. Hence, a
person who is affected by it may not be able to walk following a straight
path.
· Athetotic- This is also known as the dyskinetic
type. Those who have this may show slow movements that they cannot control.
· Mixed- Those with this type of cerebral palsy
have two or all three types of the condition. They may therefore also show mixed
symptoms. Some other symptoms may include asymmetrical gait, drooling, speech
difficulties, alternating stiff and soft muscles, seizures, spasms and
difficulty with swallowing.
Diagnosis
It
may take time to detect or define cerebral palsy in infants and babies. The
condition may actually be only apparent after the first few months or years.
Depending on the age of the baby or child, imaging tests such as MRI scan, CT
scan and ultrasound may be used. Most often though, these tests along with other
tests may really be used to rule out other conditions.
Specialists such as developmental doctors and
neurologists may have to observe a baby. They often check the reflexes and the
muscle tone to help find out if a baby could possibly have cerebral
palsy.
There is currently no way to cure cerebral palsy. By arriving at a
comprehensive way to define cerebral palsy however, parents can also find
treatment options. Having your baby or child treated through therapeutic means
can improve his quality of life.
Cerebral Palsy Therapy Tip #1
Get Help – Taking care of someone with cerebral palsy is a lot of hard work. Occasionally you have to take a break and spend some time alone. Ask family and friends for help and teach them how to do what you do so you can get away for a while. |
Cerebral Palsy Therapy Tip #2
Stay Positive - Cerebral palsy is not a disease and will not get progressively worse. Accepting the condition for what it is and keeping a positive outlook will make life easier for you and the person you are caring for. |
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