Cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy and how to deal with it

Cerebral palsy (CP) is an umbrella term for several disorders that affect the normal and healthy movement of a person, with which more than 10,000 children are diagnosed each year, and it affects the normal movement in different parts of the body and has many degrees of severity, so we offer everything you need to know about Cerebral palsy, which we do not hear much about in questions and answers, according to the medical website " cerebralpalsyguide ".

The effect of cerebral palsy on the body

The brain controls all kinds of motor functions that allow people to live as independently as possible. When the control centers in the brain are damaged, voluntary and involuntary motor skills do not function properly, and this can cause a range of challenges related to a person's ability to walk, speak, or complete Daily tasks independently.

Cerebral palsy symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy are different for each child, and some symptoms are not noticeable, while others are more severe, and the severity of the brain injury in the child will ultimately determine the symptoms that appear.
The most common signs of cerebral palsy are:
  • Problems with movement on one side of the body.
  • muscle stiffness;
  • Exaggerated or convulsive reactions.
  • Involuntary movements or tremors.
  • lack of balance
  • Swallowing or sucking problems.
  • difficulty speaking
  • Delayed motor skill development.
  • incontinence.
  • Digestive problems.

Causes of cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain of a fetus or infant, and it occurs when there is neurological damage five years from birth that prevents the brain from developing properly.
Common reasons why this happens include:
  • Bacterial and viral infections
  • brain hemorrhage (bleeding)
  • Lack of oxygen to the brain before, during or after birth.
  • Prenatal exposure to drugs, alcohol, mercury poisoning from fish, and toxoplasmosis from raw, undercooked meat.
  • Head injuries that occurred during childbirth or in the early years of infancy.
However, not every case of cerebral palsy has a clear explanation.

Risk factors for cerebral palsy

Infants born prematurely are more likely to develop cerebral palsy due to complications that arise in this birth, such as bleeding in the brain.
It is estimated that 10 to 30 percent of people with cerebral palsy were born prematurely, and a low birth weight can also increase the chances of developing cerebral palsy.
Some additional risk factors include:
  • Maternal diabetes or high blood pressure
  • poor maternal health

Diseases associated with cerebral palsy

Common conditions that may be present alongside cerebral palsy include:
  • epilepsy
  • Impaired vision or hearing
  • learning difficulties
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Chronic pain or discomfort
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • speech disorders
  • mental health disorders
Diagnosis of cerebral palsy

Diagnosis of cerebral palsy usually occurs between 18 months and 5 years of age, and parents and caregivers are usually the first to notice delays in a child's development, which is one of the first signs of cerebral palsy.
Several imaging tests may be used to diagnose cerebral palsy, including:
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Computer tomography (CT) scan
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG)
  • Ultrasound
How can cerebral palsy be treated?

Early treatment of children with cerebral palsy is important because the developing brain and body are more flexible, meaning there are more opportunities to correct or improve the child's movement during this time.
It is about caring for the development of the child so that they can live as independently as possible, and many children with cerebral palsy are completely self-sufficient and have a good quality of life. Effectively treating the symptoms that coincide with cerebral palsy is the best way to ensure the highest quality of life for a child as they transition into adulthood. .
Children with cerebral palsy can improve their motor skills with the help of conventional and alternative therapy, medication, surgery, etc. Parents should seek out a multidisciplinary team of specialists to effectively treat their child's condition.
The multidisciplinary team may include:
  • Pediatricians
  • Neurologists
  • orthopedic surgeons
  • natural therapy
  • Speech experts
  • Nutrition experts
  • Psychologists (to assess ability and behavior)
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