Facts & Symptoms Of Cerebral Palsy

Symptoms & Sign Of Cerebral Palsy

 The predominant symptoms and signs of cerebral palsy are related to motor difficulties, which are the consequence of the brain damage. The extension and severity of the brain lesion is the leading factor in the magnitude of the motor deficit. Many of the symptoms observed in these children are related to the primary problem that is impaired motor functions. For example, developmental motor delay, gait disorders, poor fine and gross motor coordination, swallowing disorders, or speech delay are all the result of the basic motor disorder. The way they present varies from child to child. For that reason, it is difficult to describe a clinical picture that will satisfy every child with cerebral palsy. The clinical presentation, even though with many common features, is very much unique for a particular child. In addition, the comorbid conditions add more to the uniqueness of the presentation of the child with cerebral palsy. For example some children may be blind, while others may have normal vision; or some children may have severe cognitive delay while others may have normal or near normal cognitive level...

Cerebral Palsy Facts

• Cerebral palsy (CP) is an abnormality of motor function, the ability to move and control movements.
• Cerebral palsy is acquired at an early age, usually less than a year of age.
• Cerebral palsy is due to a brain abnormality that does not progress in severity.
• The causes of cerebral palsy include prematurity, genetic disorders, strokes, and infection of the brain.
• Taking certain precautions during the pregnancy might decrease the risk of cerebral palsy.
• Asphyxia, the lack of oxygen to the brain, at birth is not as common a cause of cerebral palsy as had been thought.
• There are different types of cerebral palsy based on symptoms -- spastic, hypotonic, choreoathetoid, and mixed types.
• The best approach for diagnosis, treatment, and management is through and interdisciplinary team.
• Cerebral palsy may be associated with many other medical conditions, including mental retardation or seizures. Many of these conditions can be treated with improved quality of life.
• Many children with cerebral palsy have a normal intellect and have no seizures.
• Treatment of cerebral palsy is for the symptoms only; there are few treatments for the underlying causes.
• There are many alternative medicines promoted for the treatment of cerebral palsy that have never been proven to be helpful. Families and advocates of persons with cerebral palsy should be aware of the lack of scientific basis for these treatments.