Birth-related brain injury

CEREBRAL PALSY
REHABILITATION
Definition
 Cerebral palsy is a medical
condition caused by brain injury
during pregnancy, childbirth or
post-birth.

 Cerebral Palsy = Brain Paralysis.

Classification
 Cerebral palsy has traditionally been classified on the
basis of the type of motor disorder that occurs.
 3 main categories of motor disorder, as follows:
1. Spastic (70-80%)-increased tone, or tension, in a
muscle.
2. Dyskinetic (10-15%)- Fluctuations in muscle tone
between being too tight and too loose. The muscle tone
fluctuation often causes spasms. Athetoid cerebral palsy
usually affects the whole body instead of a particular
region.
3. Ataxic (<5%)-Ataxic cerebral palsy is caused by damage
to the cerebellum, which is in the base of the brain.
Causes
 Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal development
or damage in one or more parts of the brain that
control muscle tone and motor activity (movement).
 Certain hereditary and genetic conditions
 Complications during labor and delivery
 Premature birth
 Low birth weight (especially if less than 2 pounds at
birth)
 Severe jaundice after birth.
 In many cases, the exact cause of the brain
damage is never known.
Symptoms
 Delayed milestones such as controlling
head, rolling over, reaching with one hand,
sitting without support, crawling, or walking.
 weakness or abnormal muscle tone on one
side and abnormal movements, which may
be an early sign of CP.
 Skeletal Deformities,Seizures,Speech
Vision and Hearing loss.
 Dental Problems,Joint Contractures etc.
Rehabilitation
 There is no cure for cerebral palsy.
 Depending upon the type of Cerebral palsy,a
variety of rehabilitation options for people and
children with cerebral palsy.
  Rehabs usually center on developing a few key
areas of improvement including physical
movement and coordination, speech, vision, and
intellectual development.
 Mostly they use a combination of physical
therapy, biofeedback, occupational and speech
therapy, drugs, and even surgery.
Rehabilitation using Therapies
 Help the individual with cerebral palsy reach
his or her greatest potential physically,
mentally, and socially.
 Activities and education to improve flexibility,
strength, mobility, and function which consist of
a number of exercises that include stretching,
strengthening, and positioning.
 Speech and language rehabilitation often
involve lengthy, lifetime therapy involving a
speech therapist and several electronic and
mechanical devices.
Contd…
 Biofeedback is another common physical therapy
that uses machines to concentrate on developing
specific parts of the body. 
 The occupational therapist helps the individual
learn physical skills he or she needs to function
and become as independent as possible in
everyday life. Examples are feeding, grooming,
and dressing.
 Other rehabilitation treatments for cerebral palsy
include drug therapy, such as Botox injections to
relax over-tense muscles, some types of surgery
such as Tenotomy.
Rehabilitation Using Assistive Devices
 The physical therapy may also include external
aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, braces, and
how to use them for maximum mobility.
 Therapeutic electrical stimulation (TES)
treatment has been proven to add more muscle
fiber, but exercise and therapy must be used to
teach the patient what to do with the newly
strengthened muscle tissue.
 The rehabilitation treatments require repeated
visits and usually the purchase of or use of
several types of equipment.
Other Therapy
 Many children with cerebral palsy, even those of
average or above-average intelligence, are
challenged in “cognitive” processes such as
thinking, learning, and memory.
 Many children with cerebral palsy develop
emotional problems, behavior problems, or both.
They can benefit from sessions with a psychologist
or counselor.
 Personal computers and related technologies offer
wonderful opportunities for communication, social
interaction, education, entertainment, and
employment for people with cerebral palsy.
Support Groups and Counseling For Parents

 Children with cerebral palsy may have very substantial

problems, but almost all have the potential to learn,
achieve, succeed, and create a happy life for
themselves.
 parents and siblings of a child with cerebral palsy may
have significant stress.
 Support groups provide reassurance, motivation, and
inspiration. They help you see that your situation is not
unique
 They also provide practical tips on coping with cerebral
palsy and navigating the medical, educational, and
social systems that you will rely on for help for yourself
or your child.
Case Studies on Cerebral Palsy

 Case studies on cerebral palsy have shown hyperbaric

oxygen (HBO2) can help these complications by
increasing the amount of oxygen dissolved in the
plasma and reinvigorate once dormant brain cells.
 A 2-year-old girl with delayed judgment, cooperation
skills and impulse control began hippotherapy
treatment,Now she verbalizes spontaneously and
answers simple questions with good volume. She can
walk 5-7 steps independently on level ground and
requires only some hand-held assistance on uneven
surfaces for safety. Her mother reports improvements in
the child’s strength, balance, coordination and
verbalizations