CEREBRAL PALSY

Definition
An umbrella term encompassing a group of non-progressive,non-contagious conditions that cause physical disability in human development

Classification

Spastic Athetoid / Dyskinetic Ataxic Mixed

Spastic CP

Commonest type 70% to 80% of all cases. Hypertonic. Spastic CP is further classified by topography dependent on the region of the body affected

Spastic Quadriplegic CP

Whole body affected; all four limbs affected equally

Spastic Diplegic CP
The lower extremities are affected more than the upper extremities. Most people with spastic diplegia do eventually walk. Normal IQ in most patient.

Spastic Hemiplegia

One side of the body being affected.

Incidence

About 2 per 1000 live births. Higher in males than in females

Contributing causes
Asphyxia, Hypoxia of the brain, Birth trauma, Premature birth Central nervous system infections Certain infections in the mother during and before birth.

Contributing causes
After birth, other causes include:
toxins, severe jaundice lead poisoning physical brain injury, shaken baby syndrome incidents involving hypoxia to the brain (such as near drowning),

encephalitis or meningitis

Sign & Symptoms

Abnormal muscle tone, posture , reflexes, or motor development and coordination. Joint and bone deformities and contractures .

Spasticity, spasms, other involuntary movements.

Unsteady gait and problems with balance. Scissor walking and toe walking are common among people with CP who are able to walk

Associated medical problems

Epilepsy Mental retardation Developmental delay Visual impairment Hearing and speech impairment Bone and joints problems Feeding problems