Cerebral Palsy
(CP)
Definition
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that make it hard for a child's body to control movement. It appears in the first few years of life.
Causes TOP
CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to parts of the brain that control movement. This may happen before, during, or after birth.
Risk Factors TOP
CP is more common in premature and low-birth-weight babies. It is also more common in multiple births, such as twins or triplets. Other things that may raise the risk are:
- Infection in the membranes and fluid around the fetus
- Injury to the brain from lack of oxygen
- A bacterial infection in the blood of an infant
- Inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord
Symptoms TOP
Problems are different in each child. They may also change over time. The first sign is often when a child does not meet a milestone, such as rolling over. Signs often appear in children before 3 years of age.
These common problems may be mild or severe:
- Problems swallowing
- Moving the body without control
- Stiff or floppy muscles
- Problems walking or standing
- Learning problems
- Speech problems
- Tremors
Diagnosis TOP
You will be asked about your child's symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. The child's motor skills and reflexes will be tested.
Images of the brain may be taken. This can be done with an:
MRI ScanCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Treatment TOP
There is no cure for CP. The goal is to help the child reach his or her fullest ability. A child will need care from pediatricians, specialists, physical therapists, and counselors. Common treatments are:
Rehabilitation Services
Speech, physical, and occupational therapy may help a child speak, move, walk, and do activities of daily living. Physical therapy also helps strengthen muscles and helps with fitness.
Physical Aids
Braces and splints may be used to ease muscle spasms and keep limbs in line. Walkers, scooters, and wheelchairs make it easier to move around.
Medicine TOP
Medicine may be used to help ease symptoms, such as tight muscles.
Surgery TOP
Some children may need surgery to help them sit, stand, and walk. These may be tendon transfers or lengthening, joint loosening, bone straightening, and nerve surgery.
Prevention TOP
A pregnant mother may be able to lower the risk of CP by:
- Getting medical care early and often
- Managing chronic illnesses
- Getting enough fluids
- Not using alcohol and drugs
RESOURCES:
Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics
https://www.healthychildren.org
United Cerebral Palsy
http://www.ucp.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy
http://www.ofcp.ca
REFERENCES:
Cerebral palsy (CP). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cerebral-palsy-cp. Updated November 14, 2019. Accessed January 9, 2020.
Cerebral palsy (CP). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated September 23, 2019. Accessed January 9, 2020.
Cerebral palsy information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Cerebral-Palsy-Information-Page. Updated March 27, 2019. Accessed January 9, 2020.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline on cerebral palsy in under 25s: assessment and management. NICE 2017 Jan:NG62.
3/23/2017 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114012/Cerebral-palsy-CP: Villamor E, Tedroff K, et al. Association between maternal body mass index in early pregnancy and incidence of cerebral palsy. JAMA. 2017 Mar 7;317(9):925-936.
Last reviewed September 2019 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Kari Kassir, MD
Last Updated: 8/14/2020