Go to doctor for cerebral palsy ASAP
Is your child having problem in head control or difficulty in crawling, walking or holding and grasping objects? If yes, it's time to be thoughtful about this. Cerebral palsy is described as a set of neurological conditions that affects muscle tone, movement, gross and fine motor skills, sometimes higher executive functions as well. It deters the body's ability to move in a coordinated and purposeful manner. It is the most common form of childhood disability. Depending upon the area of damage to certain parts of the brain, voluntary or involuntary movements or both can be affected thus varying it in severity.
According to the researchers, it affects minimum of 1.5 to 4 out of every
1,000 children worldwide.
Despite the fact, the damage to the brain is non-progressive; the clinical picture changes as the child grows.
How a parent can judge if the child has CP?
If your child is unable to a. Hold his neck against gravity by the age of 6 months
b. Roll over to one side till 6 months.
c. Reach out with both hands
d. Crawl on all fours by the age of 10 months e. Stand with support f. If your baby is extremely stiff or floppy Once a parent or caregiver feels that the child is developmentally delayed as compared to their peer group, they should visit a developmental paediatrician for the screening and a proper diagnosis.
Independently, cerebral palsy doesn't have any cause; however any type of damage to the brain before, during the child birth or during the first three years of life can bring the particular symptoms. Alternative reasons can be: Lead poisoning, meningitis, stroke either in the womb or after birth, genetic disorders, Any infection to the mother during pregnancy.
As each individual with CP represents themselves differently, its treatment is also person-specific. There is no cure for cerebral palsy but early diagnosis and intervention shows long-term positive effects and later on can enhance life skills and quality of life.
A multidisciplinary team of health professionals assesses the individual and design a therapeutic intervention plan which is reviewed to cater to the developmental needs.
Physical therapy is the frontline approach for individuals with cerebral palsy. Comprehensive treatment plan focuses on muscle stretching, muscle strengthening, positioning, maintaining flexibility and joint control training. Intervention plans are targeted to achieve maximum independence for the individual and improve life quality.
Numerous treatment techniques which can help a child or individual with cerebral palsy are: Weight-bearing exercises, proper position while resting or during activities, weight shifts and balance exercises, teaching transitions during change of position, joint compression techniques.
Cerebral palsy is also accompanied by other disorders which include swallowing disorders, premature ageing and sensory issues.
The writer is an occupational therapist
AktivHealth