Cerebral Palsy
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy is also known as CP. This condition affects your child's muscles and how his body moves. Normally, the brain tells the rest of the body exactly what to do and when to do it. With CP, there is damage to the part of the brain that controls muscle movement, or how your child sits or stands. Depending on what part of the brain is affected, your child may not be able to walk, talk, eat, or play normally. CP affects every child differently. Some children have CP from birth while others begin to show signs of CP by the age of two years.
What causes cerebral palsy? CP may be caused by damage to one or more areas of the brain. This damage usually occurs while your baby is still growing and developing in the uterus (womb). Damage may also occur during or shortly after birth, or in the first 2 years of life.
- Before the baby is born, the following factors may affect whether a baby is born with CP:
- Infections, such as German measles (rubella), during pregnancy.
- Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.
- Thyroid problems or use of thyroid hormones or estrogen hormones while pregnant.
- Difficult pregnancy, labor, or delivery, such as a breech delivery. With a breech delivery, a baby's buttocks (bottom) comes out of the vagina (birth canal) first instead of his head.
- Infections, such as German measles (rubella), during pregnancy.
- The following are other factors that may occur after the baby is born:
- Babies born at a low birth weight.
- Head trauma or injury, or bleeding in the brain during or right after delivery.
- Infections in the baby, such as bacterial meningitis.
- Meconium staining. This is when a baby passes a bowel movement while inside the womb.
- Premature birth (the baby is born earlier than expected).
- Severe jaundice (yellowing of the skin) or deposits of bilirubin in the brain. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment (coloring) released during the normal breakdown of your baby's red blood cells.
- Babies born at a low birth weight.
What are the signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy? Signs of CP usually appear before 18 months of age. Infants with CP often roll over, sit, crawl, smile or walk later than other children. Signs and symptoms may vary from child to child, and usually do not get worse over time.
- Common signs and symptoms:
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as writing, buttoning a shirt, or using scissors.
- Excessive drooling or problems swallowing or sucking.
- Problems with muscle tone (too stiff or too limp).
- Problems with walking and balancing, such as dragging one foot or leg.
- Weakness in an arm or leg or both.
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as writing, buttoning a shirt, or using scissors.
- Other signs and symptoms:
- Learning problems.
- Problems with vision (sight), hearing, or speech.
- Seizures (convulsions).
- Learning problems.
What are the types of cerebral palsy?
- Ataxic cerebral palsy: Children with ataxic CP are unsteady while standing or walking, and their hands may shake. This may occur when your child tries to hold a small object, such as a pen.
- Athetoid cerebral palsy: Children with athetoid CP have movements that they cannot control, especially in the face, arms, and trunk. Your child may have swallowing problems, drooling, and slurred speech. Problems sitting or walking may also be present.
- Spastic cerebral palsy: This is the most common type of CP. Children with spastic CP usually have stiff and jerky movements. Your child may have a hard time moving from one position to another. He may also have difficulty holding or letting go of objects.
How is cerebral palsy diagnosed? Your child may have one or more of the following tests:
- Blood tests: Your child may have blood taken for tests.
- CT scan: This is also called a CAT scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your child's body. It may be used to look at your child's bones, muscles, brain, body organs, and blood vessels. Your child may be given dye by mouth or in an IV before the pictures are taken. The dye may help your child's caregiver see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell the caregiver if your child is allergic to shellfish, or has other allergies or medical conditions.
- Magnetic resonance imaging scan: This test is also called an MRI. During the MRI, pictures are taken of your child's head. An MRI may be used to look at the brain, muscles, joints, bones, or blood vessels. Your child will need to lie still during a MRI. Never enter the MRI room with an oxygen tank, watch, or any other metal objects. This can cause serious injury. Tell your caregiver if your child has any metal implants in his body.
How is cerebral palsy treated? Goals of treatment for CP include helping your child try to use his abilities to the highest level. Your child may have one or more of the following:
- Medicines: These may include medicines that control your child's seizures (convulsions) or relax his muscles.
- Rehabilitation programs: A rehab program may include mental, speech, and physical exercises. These exercises may help to improve and maintain functions that are important to daily living, such as self care.
- Surgery and braces: Surgery and braces may be used to improve nerve and muscle function. These may also prevent or decrease problems when moving.
How can cerebral palsy be prevented?
- Make sure you are immunized: Immunization against diseases, such as German measles (rubella), may prevent an infection that could cause brain damage to your baby.
- Get early and regular prenatal care: Regular visits to your caregiver during your pregnancy are a good way to decrease health risks. This can help prevent a premature birth, low birth weight, and infections.
Where can I find support and more information? CP is a life-changing disease for your child and your family. Accepting that your child has CP is hard. You and those close to you may feel guilty, angry, sad, or frightened. As parents, you may blame yourself and think you have done something wrong. These are normal feelings. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. You may also want to join a CP support group. This is a group of people who have CP. Ask your caregiver for the names and numbers of support groups. Contact the following for more information:
- American Academy of Pediatrics
141 Northwest Point Boulevard
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1098
Phone: 1-847-434-4000
Web Address: http://www.aap.org
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
P.O. Box 5801
Bethesda, MD 20824
Phone: 1-800-352-9424
Web Address: http://www.ninds.nih.gov
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.
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