cerebral Palsy (CP):
definitions, facts, information,
etc

What is Cerebral Palsy (cp)?:

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that affect muscle tone, movement, balance and motor skills. It is caused by a brain injury or abnormality that occurs before, during, or immediately after a child's birth. Cerebral means having to do with the brain and palsy means weakness or problems with using the muscles. CP is the most common lifelong motor disability impacting over 17 million people worldwide. 

CP impacts coordination, balance and movement in a variety of ways: spasticity (stiffness), hypotonia (low tone), dystonia (fluctuating tone) and athetosis/chorea (extra involuntary movements).

To read the article about our journey with Camilla’s diagnosis click here.

There are 4 known main types of cerebral palsy: The most important thing is that CP impacts everyone differently and looks unique in each person. 

  • Spastic (most common, makes up 80% of CP conditions): increased muscle tone which means muscles are stiff and can result in awkward body movements

  • Dyskenetic: difficulty controlling hands, arms, feet and legs. Movements are uncontrollable and can be slow or fast. May also have difficulty sucking, swallowing or talking.

  • Ataxic: balance and coordination issues and difficulty controlling body when reaching for items. May also have problems with activities requiring significant control such as writing or opening items.

  • Mixed: showing symptoms of more than one type of cerebral palsy: Speech and language therapy can improve a child’s ability to speak more clearly, help with swallowing disorders, and learn new ways to communicate. Examples include sign language and/or special communication devices such as a computer with a voice synthesizer, or a special board covered with symbols of everyday objects and activities to which a child can point to indicate his or her wishes.

Quick facts:

  • There is no cure for CP (YET!)...early intervention is a huge factor!

  • CP is a condition that is permanent but not unchanging

  • Signs and symptoms of CP can vary from person to person. CP can affect the whole body, one or two limbs or one side of the body.

  • Motor disabilities range from mild (minor limp) to extensive (paralysis of the legs or hands)

  • CP can also include speech impairments and sometimes intellectual disabilities

  • Treatments can vary from a variety of therapies (physical, occupational, speech, etc), surgery, medication. The use of assistive devices for mobility, communicating, seeing, and hearing can also be an important part of CP treatment.

Types of treatments:

PHYSICAL THERAPY: Physical therapy, usually begins in the first few years of life or soon after the diagnosis is made. Specific sets of exercises (such as resistive, or strength training programs) and activities can maintain or improve muscle strength, balance, motor skills, and prevent contractures.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: Occupational therapy focuses on optimizing upper body function, improving posture, and making the most of a child’s mobility. Occupational therapists help individuals address new ways to meet everyday activities such as dressing, going to school, and participating in day-to-day activities.

RECREATIONAL THERAPY: Encourages participation in art and cultural programs, sports, and other events that help an individual expand physical and cognitive skills and abilities. Research has shown improvement in their child’s speech, self-esteem, and emotional well-being.

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY: Speech and language therapy can improve a child’s ability to speak more clearly, help with swallowing disorders, and learn new ways to communicate. Examples include sign language and/or special communication devices such as a computer with a voice synthesizer, or a special board covered with symbols of everyday objects and activities to which a child can point to indicate his or her wishes.

ORAL MEDICATIONS: Medications such as diazepam, baclofen, dantrolene sodium, and tizanidine are usually used as the first line of treatment to relax stiff, contracted, or overactive muscles. Some drugs have side effects such as drowsiness, changes in blood pressure, and risk of liver damage that require continuous monitoring. Oral medications are appropriate for children who need only mild reduction in muscle tone or with widespread spasticity.

SURGERY: There are a variety of surgeries that might be recommended depending on the severity of certain areas of the body. Some examples are orthopedic, optical (for vision and adjusting eye), even nerve surgery in severe cases.

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES: Such therapies include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, special clothing worn during resistance exercise training, certain forms of electrical stimulation, assisting children in completing certain motions several times a day, and specialized learning strategies. Also, dietary supplements, including herbal products, may interact with other products or medications a child with CP may be taking or have unwanted side effects on their own. Families of children with CP should discuss all therapies with their doctor.

ASSISTIVE DEVICEs:

COMMUNICATION: Devices such as computers, computer software, voice synthesizers, and picture books can greatly help some individuals with CP improve communications skills.

ORTHOTICS: Orthotics help to compensate for muscle imbalance and increase independent mobility. Braces and splints use external force to correct muscle abnormalities and improve function such as sitting or walking.

MOBILITY AIDS: Wheelchairs, rolling walkers, and powered scooters can help individuals who are not independently mobile.

VISION / HEARING: Glasses, magnifiers, and large-print books/computer typefaces assist with vision. Some individuals with CP may need surgery to correct vision problems. Hearing aids and telephone amplifiers may help people hear more clearly.

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