What is Cerebral Palsy?

Group of disorders affecting body movement and muscular disorders.

Cerebral Palsy

Why does Cerebral Palsy (CP) occur?

Damage to the brain during pregnancy may cause Cerebral Palsy.

http://www.ofcp.on.ca/aboutcp.html

What are the symptoms of CP?

CP interferes with messages b/n brain and body

Effects vary with individual Mildest: slight awkwardness Severest: Virtually no muscle

control

Brain Damage

Depending on which areas of the brain have been damaged, one or more of the following may occur: 

1. Muscle tightness or spasms  2. Involuntary movement  3. Difficulty with "gross motor skills" such

as walking or running  4. Difficulty with "fine motor skills" such as

writing or doing up buttons  5. Difficulty in perception and sensation 

Associated Problems

The above effects may cause associated problems such as:

1. Feeding2. Poor bladder control3. Breathing problems4. Pressure sores

Associated Problems cont.

The brain damage may lead to:1. Seizures2. Learning Disabilities3. Developmental Delays

Important to Remember that…

Affected limbs are not paralyzed and can feel pain, heat, cold and pressure

Physical disability is no indication of intellectual disability.

C.P. is not a degenerative condition, damage to the brain is a one time occurrence so it will not get worse.

Important to remember that…

People with C.P. have a normal life span.

Is not progressive, the effects of CP may change over time: Some may improve Some may get worse

Medically it is important to remember…

1. Is not contagious2. Is not hereditary3. Is not life threatening

Types of C.P.

Classified by the number of limbs involved:

1. Quadriplegia2. Diplegia3. Hemiplegia4. Triplegia5. Monoplegia

Classification by Movement Disorders

Spastic: Muscles are tight and stiff Athetoid: Involuntary movements,

constantly in motion Ataxic: Least common form.

Disturbed sense of balance.

Spastic

Most common type, occurs 70-80% of all cases.

Spastic Hemiplegia Spastic Diplegia Spastic Quadriplegia

Spastic Hemiplegia

One side is affected Injury to left side of brain affects

right side of body and vice versa.

Spastic Diplegia

Lower extremities are affected Most people with Spastic Diplegia

eventually walk. Toe walking and flexed knees are

common. Hip dislocations and crossed eyes

are common Often nearsighted Intelligence is unaffected

Spastic Quadriplegia

Whole body affected Often have hemiparetic tremors

(shaking that affects the limbs on one side of the body)

Often have fluid buildup Tubes are usually inserted into body

to drain excess fluids

Athetoid

Mixed muscle tone Trouble holding themselves in an

upright position. Takes a lot of concentration to get

hand to certain spot eg. Touching nose

Ataxic

Least common type of C.P. Some individuals have tremors. Motor skills are affected Common to have visual and/or

auditory problems.

Living with Cerebral Palsy

Coping with Disabilities and Handicaps

Is not life threatening

Treatment of C.P.

No cure The earlier the treatment the better Treatments may include one or

more of the following: Physical therapy, occupational therapy,

speech therapy, drugs to control seizures, alleviate pain, or relax muscle spasms, braces on feet, standing frame

Physical Therapy Treatment

Designed to encourage the patient to build strength.

Life long physical therapy is necessary to build muscle tone

Occupational Therapy

Helps adults maximize their function in an attempt to live as independently as possible

Orthotic are often prescribed

Speech Therapy

Helps to control the muscles of the mouth and the jaw This affects not only speech but also

breathing, biting, chew and swallowing. Starts before child begins school

Chord Therapy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT4ydxomnQ0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYS3_qSTvso&feature=related