CEREBRAL PALSY

The term “Cerebral” means brain & term “Palsy” problem with body movements.

Cerebral palsy is a disorder which affects muscle movement, coordination and motor skills. It disrupts body’s ability to move in purposeful way, which can further hamper other functions like breathing, bowel and bladder control, eating, drinking and communicating.

WHAT CAUSES CEREBRAL PALSY?

Cerebrum controls muscles, which is upper part of the brain. When cerebrum is damaged before, during or within 5 years of birth can cause Cerebral Palsy.

Common causes which damage cerebrum are:

  • Infections during pregnancy
  • Insufficient oxygen during labour or delivery
  • Abnormal brain development because of gene mutation
  • Head injuries
  • Fetal Stroke

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF CEREBRAL PALSY

  • Muscle tone being too soft or too floppy
  • Lack of muscle coordination
  • Tremors
  • Delay in motor development (sitting up, crawling, walking)
  • One side of the body getting dominant /li>
  • Excessive drooling
  • Problem with swallowing
  • Problem with sucking or eating
  • Speech delay
  • Seizures
  • Delayed bowel or bladder control

CHILDREN HIGH AT RISK FOR CEREBRAL PALSY

Children who are under the high risk to be diagnosed for Cerebral Palsy are:-

  • Premature birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Twin or triplet
  • RH incompatibility
  • Exposure of toxic substances during pregnancy

CHILDREN HIGH AT RISK FOR CEREBRAL PALSY

Children who are under the high risk to be diagnosed for Cerebral Palsy are:-

  • Premature birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Twin or triplet
  • RH incompatibility
  • Exposure of toxic substances during pregnancy

Prevalence of Cerebral Palsy

Researches explain that 10% of the global population has some form of disability from different causes; in India, it is 3.8% of the total population. Around 15-20% of physically disabled children are affected by Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood. (Reference: BMJ 2017;356:j462) (Dias , Doralli, & Mangalore)

How Cerebral Palsy can be treated?

  • Unfortunately there is no cure for Cerebral Palsy, but early diagnosis and proper intervention can benefit the child by controlling it’s symptoms and making the child independent.
  • Treatment includes Occupational Therapy, Sensory integration & Speech Therapy can improve child’s muscles control.
  • Early intervention can reduce or prevent the symptoms associated with Cerebral Palsy
  • Intensive Therapies can greatly improve cognitive, language & communication skills in kids with Cerebral Palsy.
  • A team of multiple specialists and therapists work with the child and parents to identify child’s needs and create individualized treatment plan to help child reach maximum potential.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

  • Once aware about condition RH –ve pregnant women should be treated with utmost care
  • Rubella immunity should be tested before pregnancy and get vaccination before conceiving
  • Take care of babies and prevent them from any kind of head injuries
  • Never miss any routine vaccination of your baby
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