CEREBRAL PALSY SYMPTOMS | CAUSES | DIAGNOSIS | TREATMENT
SYMPTOMS OF CEREBRAL PALSY
Weakened muscles Highly spastic muscles Inability to sit upright comfortably Muscles move with shakes and jerks Inability to change positions easily Lack of sucking reflexes Ongoing tremors Exaggerated drooling Diminished tongue control Lack of control of facial muscles Low fine motor skills (difficulty drawing, coloring, and holding utensils)
CAUSES OF CEREBRAL PALSY
Certain infections during pregnancy like rubella (German measles), can cause brain damage further leading to cerebral palsy. Insufficient supply of oxygen to the foetus which may be caused due to improper functioning of placenta. Premature delivery may also lead to this condition, especially when the infant is less than 3 pounds. Lack of oxygen or asphyxia during labour or delivery. Incompatibility between the Rh factor between mother and her foetus. Severe jaundice if not taken care of in time, may pose high risk of permanent brain damage further resulting in cerebral palsy. Some children may acquire cerebral palsy after birth due to brain infections such as meningitis and due to some head injury.
DAIGNOSIS OF CEREBRAL PALSY Regular assessment and tests of child development are conducted so as to find the developmental issues. Various comparisons and calculations depending upon the child's medical history are made so as to rule out the possibilities of other disorder or illness. The
evaluation of child's strengths, weaknesses, and abilities is done so that accurate diagnosis can be made.
Children with cerebral palsy have decreased intelligence Cerebral palsy is a prgressive neuromuscular disease Children with cerebral palsy are wheelchair dependent Children with cerebral palsy may have difficulties with speech
TREATMENT OF CEREBRAL PALSY Cerebral Palsy cannot be cured, but with the help of various treatment and therapies, it can help improve the child's capabilities. In many children the improvement can be as good as a normal person. To get the best results from the treatment, it should be started as soon as it is diagnosed. Following are some of the treatments which may help in improving this condition.
Drugs, such as benzodiazepines, intrathecal phenol/baclofen and baclofen, to control seizures, muscle spasms and alleviate pain Surgery to rectify anatomical abnormalities and/or relax taut muscles Botox, to address contracting muscles
CONTINUE:- TREATMENT OF CEREBRAL PALSY To improve everyday skills like talking, understanding, learning, and developing social and interpersonal skills, few therapies are very commonly used, and are quite effective.
Speech therapy to control the mouth and jaw muscles and improve communication Physical therapy to improve gait and volitional movement Occupational therapy to adapt to limitations and live independently Medical intervention via communication aids such as computers fitted with voice synthesizers Standing frames to help reduce spasticity Neuro-cognitive therapy and patterning
PREVENTION:- TREATMENT OF CEREBRAL PALSY Most cases of Cerebral Palsy can't be prevented, but be healthy when you're pregnant.
Good antenatal care Fetal monitoring Early C section Use of steroids to maturity of fetus Neonatal Resuscitation. Make sure you are vaccinated Take care of yourself Seek early and continuous prenatal care Practice good child safety