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Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a condition in which damage has occurred to the motor control centers of a child's developing brain. Most often this occurs in utero, but sometimes occurs through birth trauma or injury in infants under three years old. There is no known cure for CP. In most cases the cause is unknown also, though it is believed that premature birth, infections during pregnancy, and trauma in utero can be causes.
"Palsy" refers to movement, and CP is broken into four classifications, each referring to the area of the brain damaged: Spastic, Athenoid/Dyskinetic, Ataxic, and Mixed, with Spastic being the most common. Each year, approximately 1,500 preschool aged children are diagnosed with CP. In about 60% of these, mental retardation is also present. Because CP can affect so many different parts of the brain, conditions that may be associated with the disorder can include deafness, blindness, epilepsy, speech difficulties, eyesight problems, and difficulty eating and drinking.
Symptoms of cerebral palsy include abnormal muscle tone, spasms or other involuntary movement, bone or joint deformities, and problems with gait and balance. If parents suspect their child might have CP or any motor problems, they should consult with their pediatrician right away.
Treatment entails therapy based on the areas in which the child needs improvement. Generally, the earlier a child receives treatment, the better his or her chances are to overcome the disability and learn how to effectively accomplish those tasks that challenge them. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy are the most common for CP.