Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy

References online:

United Cerebral Palsy Associations - UCP is the leading source of information on cerebral palsy and is a pivotal advocate for the rights of persons with any disability.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Hope Through Research.

Easter Seals - Easter Seals provides services to children and adults with disabilities and other special needs, and support to their families.

March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation - Saving Babies Together

Cerebral Palsy: A Guide for Care - The Department of Orthopaedics at the AlfredI. duPont Institute provides clinical treatment, research, and medical training for the treatment of childhood musculoskeletal problems.

Cerebral Palsy: University of Virginia - A Multimedia Tutorial for Children and Parents.

 


Cerebral Palsy

By Adele Anderson


What Is Cerebral Palsy?

  • Chronic disorder that impairs one’s control of muscular function.
  • Not a disease or an illness because it is not contagious and it does not progress.
  • Condition as a result of damage to an area of the brain that controls muscular control.

(Borowitz, 2002)


What Causes Cerebral Palsy?


Researchers do not know what causes Cerebral Palsy specifically.
Congenital malformation of the brain, caused by an injury to the brain before, during, or after birth.


1. Physicians cannot always diagnose birth defects such as this pre-maturely
2. Suggested that exposure to various chemicals or infections through the
expectant mother may contribute.


(Bachrach et al, 2002)


Diagnosing Cerebral Palsy

  • VERY Difficult!
  • Not hereditary
  • Suspected as a result of developmentally delayed motor function, abnormal muscle tone, movements, and reflexes.
  • Diagnosis involves extended observation to rule other possibilities out, and await surface of developmental delays.

(Bachrach et al, 2002)

Characteristics of Cerebral Palsy


Developmentally delayed


1. Slow to roll over, sit up, crawl, smile, or walk, Abnormal muscle tone
2 . Hypotonia - decreased muscle tone
3 . Hypertonia - increased muscle tone
4 . Unusual posture

(NINDS, 2001)


Types of Cerebral Palsy


Classified by:
1. Types of Movement

a. Spastic - inability of a muscle to relax
b. Athetoid - inability to control muscle movement

2. Affected Body Parts


a. Hemiplegia - one arm and one leg on the same side of the body are affected
b. Diplegia - both legs are affected
c. Quadriplegia - all 4 extremities including the trunk and neck muscles are affected


(Bachrach et al, 2002)


Types Continued . . .


Spastic Cerebral Palsy


1. Most common type
2. Stiff, jerky movements because the muscles are too tight

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy


1. Unsteady, shaky movement because of
low muscle tone and poor coordination


Athetoid Cerebral Palsy


1. Mixed muscle tone
2. Random, involuntary movements
3. Difficulty holding themselves upright in a
steady position for sitting or walking


(Borowitz, 2002)


Other Problems Associated w/ Cerebral Palsy


Talking & Eating


1. Dysarthria - difficulty controlling and
coordinating muscles needed to talk and eat

Learning


1. 1/4 - 1/2 struggle with learning


a. Learning Disability
b. Mental Retardation


Seizures -

series of abnormal messages being sent out of the brain very close together
1. 1/2 have seizures

(Borowitz, 2002)


Medical Disorders Associated w/ Cerebral Palsy

  • Mental Impairment
  • Seizures or Epilepsy
  • Growth
  • Problems
  • Impaired Vision or Hearing
  • Abnormal Sensation or Perception

(NINDS, 2002)


How Can Cerebral Palsy Be Managed?


No Cure
No standard therapy that works for all patients
Treatment Team includes:


1. Physician - team leader
2. Orthopedist
3. Physical Therapist
4. Occupational Therapist
5. Speech Pathologist
6. Social Worker
7. Psychologist
8. Educator
9. Family Members


(NINDS, 2002)


Special Treatments

  • Physical, behavioral, and other therapies
  • Drug Therapy
  • Surgery
  • Mechanical Aids

(Borowitz, 2002)


Equipment

  • Wheelchairs
  • Walkers
  • Adapted silverware and pencils
  • Helmets


Communication Aids


1. Books
2. Posters
3. Alphabet Board
4. Computers
5. Keyboards


(Borowitz, 2002)


Setting Realistic Goals

  • Maintain a combination of optimism and realism
  • Know the patient’s individual needs
  • Understand the patient's present and future abilities


(Bachrach et al, 2002)


Ultimate Goal

Help individuals grow into adulthood, and allow them to pursue maximum independence in society.

(Bachrach et al, 2002)


References

  • Bachrach et al. (2003, April 25). Cerebral Palsy: A Guide for Care [Online]. Available: http://gait.aidi.udel.edu
  • Borowitz, K. (2003, April 25). Cerebral Palsy [Online]. Available: http://www.people.virginia.edu/~smb4v/tutorials/cp/cp.htm
  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2003, April 25). Hope Through Research [Online]. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health
  • Easter Seals http://www.easter-seals.org
  • March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation http://www.modimes.org
  • United Cerebral Palsy Associations http://www.ucpa.org
  • Children’s Hemiplegia Association http://www.hemkids.org

 

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