Overview
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and posture. It is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain, often before birth. The condition is permanent but does not worsen over time.
Symptoms
Muscle stiffness or floppiness Uncontrolled movements or tremors Poor coordination and balance Difficulty walking or using limbs Delayed development of motor skills Speech and swallowing difficulties in some cases
Causes
Brain damage during pregnancy, birth, or shortly after birth Insufficient oxygen supply to the brain (hypoxia) Infections during pregnancy (e.g., rubella) Premature birth or low birth weight Severe jaundice in newborns
Diagnosis
Developmental monitoring and neurological examination Imaging studies such as MRI or CT scan Observation of muscle tone, reflexes, and posture Genetic or metabolic tests in some cases
Treatment
Physical therapy to improve mobility and muscle strength Occupational therapy to enhance daily living skills Speech and language therapy if communication is affected Medications for muscle stiffness or seizures Orthopedic surgery in severe cases Assistive devices such as braces, walkers, or wheelchairs
Complications
Muscle contractures and joint deformities Difficulty swallowing and risk of aspiration Seizures Learning disabilities in some individuals Respiratory problems due to reduced mobility
Prevention
Good prenatal care to prevent infections and complications Monitoring high-risk pregnancies Avoiding premature birth when possible Prompt treatment of jaundice in newborns Vaccination of mothers to prevent infections like rubella