CEREBRAL PALSY
The facts about Cerebral Palsy
- Cerebral palsy is a medical condition caused by a permanent brain injury that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. The primary characteristic of cerebral palsy is a lack of muscle control and movement. Cerebral palsy is not a progressive disease; however, the effects have been known to change over time. Although the cause of cerebral palsy is not known for certain, there is evidence that links it to both the health history of the mother and child, and accidents causing brain damage. The diagnosis of cerebral palsy is often made immediately after birth, but it can also be made later in childhood.
- Cerebral palsy may cause a number of symptoms, including seizures, spasms, visual and hearing problems, hyperactivity, and learning disorders. There is not a cure; however several therapies are available for the treatment of cerebral palsy. Although living with cerebral palsy can be difficult, it is certainly possible to be successful while coping with the disorder.
- It can also be a challenge if you are a parent of a child with cerebral palsy. However, there are many resources available to assist you in learning how to help your child cope. If there is a possibility of an injury to your child before, during, or shortly after birth, it is important to contact an attorney to discuss your legal rights.
Are there different types of CP?
- Spastic: Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common form, affecting approximately 70 percent of cerebral palsy patients. This form is characterized by stiff and permanently contracted muscles. This has a jerky, unpredictable effect on movement, causing difficulty in moving from position to position. Spastic cerebral palsy consists of these subcategories: (the last two are rare)
- Diplegia - Both arms of both legs are affected
- Hemiplegia - Either the right arm and leg or left arm and leg are affected
- Quadriplegia - All arms and legs are affected
- Monoplegia - Only one arm or leg affected
- Triplegia - Three arms or legs affected
- Ataxic: Ataxic cerebral palsy is much less common that spastic, affecting approximately 5 to 10 percent of cerebral palsy patients. The main effect of this type is on the child's sense of depth perception and balance. This is often accompanied by poor coordination, and children affected by ataxic cerebral palsy can display an abnormal gait when walking, as well as difficulty with precise movement. Another characteristic of ataxic cerebral palsy is the intention tremor. These tremors are initiated by a voluntary movement, such as reaching for a light switch, and become more severe as the individual gets closer to the objective.
- Athetoid: Athetoid cerebral palsy affects about 10 to 20 percent of patients. The primary characteristic is slow, uncontrolled movement. In most cases, this affects the arms, legs, hands and feet, and in rare cases, the musculature of the face and tongue, which can cause drooling and grimacing. These effects often become more severe in stressful and/or emotional times, and can also disappear entirely during sleep. Many children also have problems coordinating the muscles that are used in speech, resulting in a condition known as dysarthria.
What causes CP?
Cerebral Palsy is usually caused by an injury to the brain during pregnancy, around the time of birth, or shortly after. It can result from a variety of conditions:
- Infection During Pregnancy: rubella, cytomegalovirus, and toxoplasmosis can cause severe damage to the nervous system of the fetus and result in cerebral palsy.
- Jaundice: severe jaundice can result in brain damage
- Rh Incompatibility: can cause jaundice This is a condition where the mother's immune system attacks the fetus
- Oxygen Shortage: a shortage of oxygen during birth can cause brain damage to the child.
- Stroke: a stroke in the fetus can occur if the mother suffers from coagulation disorders
- Toxicity: drug or alcohol use can result in brain damage
- Bleeding: bleeding in the brain of the infant after birth can cause brain damage
- Kidney/Urinary Tract Infections: can also lead to brain damage
