Pediatric Cerebral Palsy

During early development, an injury to the brain can cause a group of disorders of motor control or coordination, known as cerebral palsy (CP).

 

Some of the causes of CP include:

• Premature birth

• Incompatible blood-type

• Placental insufficiency

• A maternal infection or viral disease 

• Neonatal jaundice

• Anoxia at birth

• Other bacterial infections of the mother, fetus, or infant that affect the central nervous system

 

However, many times the exact cause of CP is not known.  Currently, there is no known cure for CP but patients are able to manage their symptoms through physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, stretching, bracing, medication, and surgery.

 

Even though the muscles themselves and the nerves connecting them to the spinal cord are normal the brain is still unable to control the muscles.  The type and distribution of CP is determined by the location and severity of the brain injury. The four main types of CP are spastic, dyskinetic, mixed, and ataxic (Box 44-2).

 

Due to the different types of CP and levels of disability, the signs of CP can vary significantly from one patient to the next.  The most commonly recognized sign that a child may have CP is a delay in achieving motor or movement milestones, like rolling over, sitting, standing, and walking.

 

Other signs of possible CP include:

• Seeming too stiff or floppy

• Weakness in the arms or legs

• Exaggerated reflexes

• Fidgety, jerky, or clumsy movements, showing a lack of muscle coordination

• Random, uncontrolled movements or muscle spasms

• Shaking hands

• Walking on tiptoes

 

Individuals with cerebral palsy can suffer from a variety of other symptoms, including:

• Feeding, drooling and swallowing difficulties

• Constipation

• Problems with speaking and communication

• Epilepsy

• Difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep

• GERD or acid reflux 

• Scoliosis

• Hips that dislocate easily

• Urinary incontinence

• Learning disabilities 

• Reduced vision, squinting, or uncontrollable eye movements

• Hearing loss