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Cerebral Palsy: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Dec 1, 2016 Posted by admin Uncategorized 0 comments

What Are the Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy?

The symptoms of CP range from mild to severe. They also vary depending on the part of the brain that was affected. Some of the more common symptoms include:
  • delays in reaching motor skill milestones, such as rolling over, sitting up alone, or crawling
  • delays in speech development and difficulty speaking
  • stiff muscles
  • abnormal muscle tone
  • a lack of muscle coordination
  • tremors or involuntary movements
  • excessive drooling and problems with swallowing
  • difficulty walking
  • favoring one side of the body, such as reaching with one hand
  • neurological problems, such as seizures, intellectual disabilities, and blindness

Call your doctor immediately if you suspect your child has CP. Early diagnosis and treatment is very important

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

CP is caused by an abnormality in brain development or by damage to the developing brain. The brain damage usually occurs before birth, but it can also happen during birth or the first years of life. In most cases, the exact cause of CP isn’t known. Some of the possible causes include:
  • a lack of oxygen to the brain during labor and delivery
  • severe jaundice in the infant
  • maternal infections, such German measles and herpes simplex
  • brain infections, such as encephalitis and meningitis
  • bleeding into the brain
  • head injuries as a result of a car accident, a fall, or child abuse

How Is Cerebral Palsy Treated?

The goal of treatment is to improve limitations and prevent complications. Treatment may include assistive aids, medications, and surgery.

Assistive Aids

Assistive aids include:

  • eyeglasses
  • hearing aids
  • walking aids
  • body braces
  • wheelchairs

Medications

Anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants, such as diazepam and dantrolene, are often used to treat CP. These medications can help reduce spasticity and drooling.

Surgery

Surgery may be used to relieve pain and improve mobility. It may also be needed to release tight muscles or to correct bone abnormalities caused by spasticity.

Other Treatment

Other types of treatment for CP include:

  • speech therapy
  • physical therapy
  • occupational therapy
  • counseling or psychotherapy
  • social services consultations

How Can Cerebral Palsy Be Prevented?

The majority of problems that cause CP can’t always be prevented. However, if you’re pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, you can take certain preventive measures to minimize complications. It’s important to get vaccinated against diseases that can cause fetal brain damage, such as rubella. It’s also crucial to receive adequate prenatal care. Attending regular appointments with your doctor during pregnancy can help prevent premature birth, low birth weight, and infections.

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