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What is cerebral palsy

"The brain controls all we do. Different parts of the brain control the movement of every muscle of the body. "¶

" The meaning  or term "Cerebral Palsy"  is the description of a physical impairment that affects movement. The movement problems vary from barely noticeable to extremely severe. These muscle problems  are a result of damage to parts of the brain, usually before, during or just after birth. Sometimes the  term spastic is   used to describe cerebral palsy. "·

Types of Cerebral Palsy¶

Spastic cerebral palsy: - This is the most common type of CP. Spasticity means stiffness or tightness of muscles. The muscles are stiff because the messages to the muscles are relayed incorrectly from the damaged parts of the brain.

When people without CP perform a movement, groups of muscles contract whilst opposite groups of muscles relax or shorten in order to perform the movement. In children with spastic CP, both groups of muscles may contract together, making the movement difficult.

Athetoid cerebral palsy: -  Athetoid (or athetosis) is the word used for the uncontrolled movements that occur in this type of CP. This lack f control is often most noticeable when the child starts to move - e.g. when the child attempts to grasp a toy or spoon. In addition, children with athetoid CP often have very weak muscles or feel floppy when carried.

Ataxic cerebral palsy -  This is the least common type of CP. Ataxic (or ataxia) is the word used for unsteady shaky movements or tremor. Children with ataxia also have problems with balance.

Mixed types of  cerebral palsy:- Many children do not have just one type, but a mixture of several of these movement patterns

Which part of the body is affected?¶

 This varies greatly from one child to another. Certain words are used to describe the parts affected:

Hemiplegia - the leg and arm on one side of the body are affected. ( also described as hemiparesis)

Diplegia- both legs are predominantly affected. Children with diplegia usually also have some involvement with their arm and hand movements.

Quadriplegia - both arms and legs, and the trunk, are affected. (also described as quadriparesis) The muscles of the face, mouth and throat can also be involved.

  Treatments

There is no cure for CP. CP refers to a permanent condition, and the problems associated with this condition (such as muscle weakness or stiffness, and unwanted movements) remain throughout the lifetime of a person with CP. However children can learn to cope with the condition as they grow. Treatment often brings about improvement, though not a cure. If the CP is  spotted early, physiotherapy can prevent muscle deformities and teach the child to move more smoothly and with greater control. There are many many more treatments ranging from surgery through  conductive education and medications to name a few.

My Alternative Therapies

to be completed

References

¶ Cerebral Palsy - an information guide for parents-second edition 2000. published by the Royal Childrens Hospital, Melbourne Australia.  (ISBN 0958741654) 

·The Complete Book of Child Health- Dr S Lingham.published in 1995 by Marshall Cavendish Books, London (ISBN 1 85435 8308)

Last Updated on Saturday, 10 March 2001