Causes of Cerebral Palsy

1.Injury to the brain during delivery.

2.As a complication of forceps delivery.

3.Lack of oxygen supply to the baby during delivery.

4.Infections during delivery.

Signs and symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

The signs and symptoms may not be similar in all babies affected.Depending upon the damage to the brain there may be mild to severe lesions.

1.Mild cases – 20% children will have mild disability.

2.Moderate cases – 50% cases are having moderate disability.

The affected children require self help for assisting their impaired ambulation capacity.

3.Severe cases -About 30% of the affected children are totally incapacited and bedridden.

They always need care from others.

Abnormal findings of Cerebral palsy

1,Abnormal neonatal reflexes.

2,Stiffness of all muscles with awkward motion.

3,Extention of extremities on vertical suspension of the infant.

4,Scissoring of the lower limbs due to spasm of the adductor muscles of the thigh.

5,In severe cases the back bend backwards like and arch.

6,May have total or partial paralysis.

7,Arrest of neurological and behavioral developement.

8,Swallowing may be difficult in some cases.

9,Drooling of saliva.

10,Mild to severe mental retardations.

11,Abnormal movements are seen in some cases.

12,Tremors with typical movements.

13,If cerebellum is affected there will be loss of muscle tone with difficulty in walking.

14,Complete or partial loss of hearing.

15,Speech may be affected.

16,Squint and other visual problems may be associated.

17,Convulsions may be seen in some children.

Cerebral palsy is diagnosed by detailed clinical examination and by eliminating other similar diseases like brain tumour, progressive atrophy ect.All investigations like CT scan,MRI and routine investigations are needed to ruleout other diseases.

Management of Cerebral Palsy

1.General Management – This includes proper nutrition and personal care. Symptomatic medicines are needed to reduce convulsions and muscle stiffness. Diazepam can reduce spasticity and athetosis.

Dantrolene sodium helps to relax skeletal muscles.

2.Physiotherapy – Here massage,exercise, hydrotherapy and ect are needed.Special training is given to train walking,swallowing and talking.The affected children are also trained to hold articles for routine activities.

3.Rehabilitation – Moral and social support should be given to these children.They should be send to special schools where special training can be given by trained staff.Mentally retarded children need special training.Depending up on the disabitity special instruments and machines are given for locomotion and to assist their daytoday activities.

4.Occupational Therapy – This is given by occupational therapists.They train the disabled people to do some suitable works so that these people can have their own income.

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US $4.99 End Date: Monday Sep-13-2010 5:46:17 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $4.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Product Description
Since the first edition of this book was published in 1984, the intensive debates about the ‘correct’ method of treatment for children with cerebral palsy have been resolved; it is now possible to describe what is generally agreed to be the optimal approach. This entirely rewritten new edition compiles the most up-to-date information, reflecting a worldwide overview. Coverage includes the coordination of care and the management team; the types of cerebral palsy; ass… More >>

Management of the Motor Disorders of Children with Cerebral Palsy