It is a nonprogressive neuromuscular disorder causing mild to severe disabilities throughout life. This condition is manifested as a group of persisting qualitative motor disorders that appear in young children due to damage to the brain during delivery or due to some pathological conditions in the intrauterine life. The neurological problems are multiple but non-progressive in nature. This problem affects approximately 2 out of every 100 live births. This disease has no hereditary tendency.
Causes of cerebral palsy:
1) The brain sustains damage during delivery.
The delivery of forceps presents a complication.
3) The baby doesn't receive enough oxygen during delivery.
4) infections during delivery.
Signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy:
The signs and symptoms may not be similar in all babies affected. Depending upon the damage to the brain, there may be mild to severe lesions.
In mild cases, 20% of children will have a minor disability.
Moderate cases: 50% of cases involve a moderate level of disability. The children who are affected need self-help to assist with their impaired ambulation capability.
Severe cases: About 30% of the affected children are totally incapacitated and bedridden, and they always need care from others.
Abnormal findings in cerebral palsy:
1. abnormal neonatal reflexes.
2. All muscles experience stiffness and awkward motion.3. The infant's extremities extend on a vertical suspension.
4. The lower limbs scissor due to a spasm in the adductor muscles of the thigh.
5. In severe cases, the back bends backwards like an arch.
6 may be completely or partially paralyzed.
7. The arrest of neurological and behavioral development.
8. Swallowing may be difficult in some cases.
9. Drooling of saliva.
10—mild to severe mental retardations.
11. There are instances where abnormal movements occur.
12. Tremors with typical movements.
13. Loss of muscle tone and difficulty walking will result from cerebellar damage.
There is a total or partial loss of hearing.
15. Speech may be affected.
16. Squint and other visual problems may be related.
Some children may show signs of convulsion.
The diagnosis of cerebral palsy involves a detailed clinical examination and the elimination of similar diseases such as brain tumors and progressive atrophy, among others. To rule out other diseases, we need to conduct all investigations, including CT scans, MRIs, and routine tests.
Management of cerebral palsy:
General management:
This includes proper nutrition and personal care. We need symptomatic medicines to reduce convulsions and muscle stiffness. Diazepam can reduce spasticity and athetosis.
Dantrolene sodium helps relax skeletal muscles.
Physiotherapy:
Massage, exercise, hydrotherapy, and other therapies are necessary here. We provide special training to enhance walking, swallowing, and talking skills. We also train the affected children to hold objects for routine activities.
Rehabilitation:
These children should receive moral and social support. Send them to special schools where trained staff can provide special training. Mentally retarded children need special training. Depending on the severity of their disability, we provide them with special instruments and machines to aid in their daily activities.
Occupational therapy:
This is given by occupational therapists. Occupational therapists train disabled individuals to perform suitable jobs, enabling them to earn their own income.
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