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Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy refers to a group of condition in the motor control centers of the brain which cause problems in movement and motor functioning. These conditions usually are present at birth and may include paralysis, weakness, problems with coordination, or other atypical motor functioning. A child with cerebral palsy generally cannot move his or her muscles in a typical way. There are many possible causes of cerebral palsy including prenatal illness or infection, insufficient oxygen reaching the fetus (i.e. placenta tearing away from the uterus before delivery), prematurity, asphyxia during labor and delivery, blood diseases, server jaundice, other genetic conditions, and post-natal brain injuries (i.e. trauma or brain infection such as meningitis).

Symptoms may range from mild to severe but do not get worse over time. Cerebral palsy is not diagnosed until about age 2 or 3 and generally based on evaluation of muscle tone and mobility. Another indication may be the presence of reflexes that typically disappear by 6 to 12 months of age. Brain imaging tests may also be used.

The 3 major types of cerebral palsy are:

• spastic – about 70 to 80% of people with cerebral palsy have this type – muscles are stiff and there may be difficulty in walking – arm, mouth, and tongue muscles may also be affected
• athetoid or dyskinetic cerebral palsy – (10%) – this affects the entire body and is characterized by fluctuations in muscle tone (varying from too loose to too tight) and is sometimes associated with uncontrolled movements – also may have difficulty with sucking, swallowing and speech.
• Ataxic cerebral palsy- (5 – 10%) – affects balance and coordination – may have difficulty with writing and may walk at an unsteady gait.

The majority of people with cerebral palsy do not have any cognitive disability. People with cerebral palsy are doctors, lawyers, teachers, social workers, artists, parents, etc..

In many cases, cerebral palsy cannot be prevented. However, some causes can be prevented by pre and post-natal care, vaccinations, nonuse of alcohol and other dangerous or illicit drugs, and prevention of head trauma such as proper use of car seats.