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Definition:
A group of disorders characterized by loss of movement or loss
of other nerve functions, caused by injuries to the brain that occur during fetal
development or near the time of birth.
Cerebral palsy results from injury to the cerebrum (the largest
portion of the brain, involved with higher mental faculties, sensations, and voluntary
muscle activities).
Classifications of cerebral palsy include spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, and mixed cerebral
palsy.Symptoms:seizures
muscle contractions
difficulty sucking or feeding
irregular breathing
delayed development of motor skills, such as reaching, sitting,
rolling, crawling, walking, and so on
motormental retardation
mental retardation
speech abnormalities (dysarthria)
visual abnormalities
hearing abnormalities
spasticity
progressive joint contractures
limited range of motion
peg teeth
Signs and tests:
Examination indicates delayed development of motor
skills in many cases. Infantile reflexes (such as sucking and startle) may persist past
the age where they usually disappear. Muscle tremor or spasticity may be evident, with a
tendency of infants to tuck their arms in toward their sides, scissors movements of the
legs, or other abnormal movements.
Disgnostic Tests:
- MRI of the head demonstrates structural or congenital abnormalities
- CT scan of the head demonstrates structural or congenital
abnormalities
- hearing screen (to determine auditory status)
- visual testing (to determine visual status)
- EEG
Treatment:
- Physical medicine rehabilitation
- Medications
- To reduce spasticity, tremors and convulsions
- Surgery may be needed in some cases to release joint contractures
which are a progressive problem associated with spasticity.
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disorder. Long-term
care may be required. The disorder does not affect expected length of life. The extent of
disability varies. |