Cerebral palsy (CP) is the name for a group of nerve problems that make it hard for a child to control movement.
CP is caused by injury to the brain. In most cases, this injury happens before birth.
The way your child is affected may be different than how other children are affected. For some children, it causes a limp. Others have little or no control over their arms and legs or other parts of the body. To find out more about how the disease affects your child, your doctor may do more tests.
You and your doctor can work together to create a treatment plan for your child. This plan can help manage symptoms. It can also help your child be as independent as possible. The plan will probably include physical therapy. It may also include medicines and other therapies.
Learning that your child has CP isn't easy. And raising a child who has it can be hard. It may help to join a support group or talk with other parents who have a child with special needs, so you don't feel alone. You may also want to try counseling. It could help you understand and deal with all the emotions you may feel.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of motor problems and physical disorders that result from a brain injury or abnormal brain development and that may occur during fetal growth, at the time of birth, or in the first 2 or 3 years of a child's life. The brain injury that causes CP does not get worse over time, but symptoms may start, change, or become more severe as a child grows.
Cerebral palsy affects the muscles of a part or side of the body or sometimes the entire body. Uncontrolled reflex movements and muscle tightness (spasticity) occur with varying severity. Physical problems of CP vary. Some people have a limp. Other people are unable to control the movement of their arms, legs, or muscles of the mouth and tongue. People with severe forms of cerebral palsy are more likely to have other problems, such as seizures or intellectual disability.
Sometimes the exact cause of cerebral palsy is known, such as when brain injury follows a serious infection or trauma. In many cases the exact cause of cerebral palsy is not known.
Cerebral palsy cannot be cured. But a comprehensive treatment program can help people with CP maximize their abilities and physical strength, prevent complications, and improve their quality of life. Treatment usually includes physical therapy and speech therapy. Medicines, surgery, special devices and equipment, and other individualized treatments also may be used.
Your child's range of abilities depends on the type of cerebral palsy (CP) they have and how severe it is. Problems may appear, change, or increase as your child grows. Although CP can't be cured, treatment can help your child make the most of their abilities and physical strength.
CP causes problems with body movement and posture. But symptoms can vary. Some people may limp, while others may have little to no control over some body parts. In some cases, the symptoms of CP are noticed at birth. In others, symptoms aren't clear until early childhood.
Even though CP can't be cured, treatment can help people make the most of their abilities and physical strength and improve their quality of life. Treatment can also prevent other problems caused by CP.
Treatment varies by the person. It changes as needed. In general, treatment focuses on ways to maintain or improve a person's quality of life and overall health.
Regular visits with your child's doctors are important to monitor your child's condition.
Treatment for CP includes:
This can help your child get around as much as possible. It often continues throughout your child's life. It may help prevent the need for surgery.
They can help control some of the symptoms of CP, prevent or minimize problems caused by CP, and treat other medical conditions related to CP.
It may sometimes be used for a person with severe problems. Surgery may help reduce muscle stiffness or spasms. It may also allow more flexibility and control of the affected limbs and joints.
These include braces, casts, and splints. The type of devices used depends on a child's needs. The devices maintain or improve how well joints move, help strengthen muscles and relax overactive (spastic) muscles, and help with daily activities.
This helps your child with short- and long-term pain.
Physical therapy and special equipment may be used together. One example is constraint-induced movement therapy, also called shaping. This encourages a child to move more by presenting interesting activities or objects and giving praise and rewards when a child tries to use the less-functioning muscles.
Ongoing treatment for CP focuses on continuing and adjusting current treatments and adding new treatments as needed.
Working with others involved with your child's care, understanding your child's needs and rights, and taking care of yourself and other family members are all important parts of treatment.
Other treatments may also be needed, depending on specific needs.
You may hear about a wide range of controversial treatments for CP, such as electrical stimulation and special diets. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any type of treatment you are considering for your child. Some of these treatments can cause harm.
Many people who have CP benefit from using specific devices and equipment. These may include special crutches, orthotics, casts, standers, special seats, walkers, wheelchairs, and special shoes. There may be other methods used to help with specific problems. These items can help maintain or improve joint mobility. Or they can help strengthen muscles and relax overactive (spastic) muscles. They can also help with daily activities.
The type of device that is used depends on a child's needs. For example, a child may get a cast after surgery. Or a child may get a cast to restrict movement in one area to strengthen muscles and tendons in another part of the body. If both legs are affected by CP, a child can learn to move around with the help of special equipment. These may include a scooter board (a device used to self-propel while lying down), a modified stroller, or a wheelchair.
The cause of CP sometimes isn't known. But links have been found between CP and certain conditions during pregnancy, birth, and early childhood. Some of these can be prevented.
Staying healthy before and during pregnancy can help lower the risk that a brain injury will occur in a developing baby. Here are some tips for healthy habits before and during pregnancy.
Help prevent CP in your young child by lowering your child's risk for getting a brain injury.
The doctor will do a physical exam and ask you about your family's health history and your child's past health. You may be asked about your child's growth and development. The doctor may ask about any problems you may have noticed. Parents are often the first to notice that their baby has problems with certain abilities and skills.
Your doctor may also do tests, such as lab tests or an MRI of your child's head. Or your doctor may look at ultrasound pictures of the brain. These tests can sometimes help the doctor find the cause of CP.
If your child has a severe form of CP, a doctor may be able to find the problem within the first few weeks of your child's life. But even when a baby has CP at birth, the signs may not be noticed until the child is 1 to 3 years old.
Medicines can help control some of the symptoms of CP. They can also prevent or minimize problems caused by CP and treat other medical conditions related to CP.
Treatments for muscle spasms are the most common medicines used for people who have CP. Some are called antispasmodics. They can help relax tight muscles and reduce muscle spasms. Most are taken by mouth. Some are injected directly into stiff or spastic muscles. These medicines include baclofen, diazepam and botulinum toxin.
Anticonvulsants help prevent or control seizures. These medicines include lamotrigine and oxcarbazepine.
Anticholinergics help some people who have CP who have body movements that they can't control (dystonic cerebral palsy) or who drool often. These medicines include benztropine and glycopyrrolate.
Stool softeners and mild laxatives may help treat constipation. This is a common problem for people who have CP.
Here are some tips to help parents and family members manage the care of a child with CP.
Being informed can help you understand how best to help your child. Local or national CP organizations can help, especially in dealing with the impact of daily emotional and lifestyle issues. Talk with your doctor for suggestions.
Laws in the United States give children with special needs access to free public school services and some free treatments. These educational rights also include protection of the parents' rights to be fully informed about or disagree with educational decisions concerning their child. Contact your state and local education departments for specific information about these accommodations. Also, vocational training may benefit some teens and young adults.
Work with your child's teachers, school administrators, special learning consultants, and school boards to develop the best educational plan for your child. A cooperative team approach helps your child realize their potential.
The needs of a child with CP change over time. As children grow and become more aware of their physical limitations, they need to be able to talk about their feelings and how they are treated. It is sometimes easier for them to talk with someone who isn't a family member. Ask your doctor about whether counseling would benefit your child. Also, include your child when making decisions about health care.
Get proper rest, eat well, exercise, and learn ways to cope with the challenges of raising a child with CP. You will be better equipped to help your child when you have physical energy and emotional strength.
The entire family is affected when one member has CP. Helping family members cope with this situation is important, especially for siblings. You can help prevent other children from having unrealistic fears and concerns, feeling left out, or becoming overwhelmed.
You and your family and friends can help your child reach their highest potential. Build self-esteem by helping your child learn to do things without help.
Surgery for people who have CP may help reduce muscle stiffness or spasms. It may also allow more flexibility and control of the affected limbs and joints.
The main surgery choices are:
Other surgeries include:
The needs of your teen who has CP may change as young adulthood approaches. Here are some tips.
Family members and friends can help them deal with the daily challenges of having CP.
Usually teens have learned to use their talents and strengths. But they may need extra help and encouragement to prepare for added expectations and responsibilities. Major independent living skills include preparing meals, managing money, knowing when and where to seek medical care, and using public transportation.
Teens and young adults with CP may need more guidance than other people their age in developing these relationships.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a problem that makes it hard for a child to control movement. It's caused by injury to the brain. Usually this injury happens before birth. The brain injury that causes CP doesn't get worse over time, but symptoms may start, change, or become more severe as a child grows.
Some children with CP may have complications, such as seizures, joint problems, or bowel or bladder problems. Other medical conditions, such as vision or hearing problems, are often associated with CP. Sometimes these conditions are known right away. In other cases, they aren't found until a child gets older.
People with CP are at risk for lung disease. For example, severe CP causes problems with eating. If food is inhaled into the lungs, the risk of lung infection (pneumonia) increases.
CP is caused by an injury to or abnormal development of the brain. In many cases, the exact cause isn't known. The injury or abnormality may occur during pregnancy or birth or within the first 2 to 3 years of life.
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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