Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is caused by damage to the developing brain, mostly before birth. Symptoms appear during infancy or the preschool period. It can vary from very mild to serious. It happens when the brain can’t properly send messages to muscles about how to move in smooth or well-coordinated ways.

Children with cerebral palsy may have exaggerated reflexes. Cerebral Palsy is a congenital disorder affecting movement, muscle tone, or posture.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary from person to person and range from mild to severe.
Symptoms that appear could be…

• Delay in reaching motor skill milestones, such as sitting up alone, or rolling over

• Difficulty walking due to stiffness of muscles.

• Spasticity or stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes.

• A lack of muscle coordination – Changes in muscle tone – Tremors or involuntary movements.

• Speech development delay and difficulty speaking.

• Favouring one side of the body, such as reaching with one hand – Too floppy or too stiff muscles.

Treatment

• People with cerebral palsy may require lifelong care with a healthcare team. The child’s health care professional and a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist may oversee your child’s care.

• The child must see a pediatric neurologist, therapists, and mental health specialists. The experts can then give special attention to the needs and issues faced by patients.

• Experts work with the child’s healthcare professional. Together they can develop a treatment plan.

• Many treatment options may help improve the child’s daily functioning. Selecting care depends on your child’s specific symptoms and needs, which may change over time.

• Early intervention can improve outcomes. Treatment includes medications, therapies, surgical procedures, and other treatments if need be.

Check it out to know more about Cerebral Palsy