Cerebral palsy in children
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive disorder of posture and movement due to injury to the developing brain. It is the most common motor disability in childhood (1.5 to 2.5/1000 live births). Abnormal brain development or injury to a developing brain causes CP. Certain risk factors are birth asphyxia, premature birth, maternal infections and severe jaundice after birth.
Most problems in CP are related to the stiffness of muscles or twisting movements called dystonia. These obstruct walking and body control. Feeding difficulties, drooling, speech impairment and intellectual disability also occur. Epilepsy, vision and hearing problems, sensory issues and behavioural disorders are also seen. Nutritional deficiencies, fractures, and dislocations can complicate the condition.
There is no cure for CP. With physiotherapy, medications, surgeries and assistive technologies, functional improvement is achieved in many. Some patients are intellectually normal and go to normal school while others need special education programs and audio-visual aids. Accommodations at schools such as wheelchair ramps, CP chair, counselling and therapy resources may be a great help.
This article is by Dr Neelu Desai, Consultant Pediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist at P D Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre.
Disclaimer: The veracity of any health claim made in the above article is the responsibility of the hospital/doctor concerned.