What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a general term that describes a group of disorders that appear in the first few years of life and affect a child's ability to coordinate body movements. These disorders are caused by damage to a child's brain early in the course of development. The damage can occur during fetal development, the birth process or the first few months after birth.

This group of disorders ranges from mild to severe. Cerebral Palsy can affect the muscles by causing them to be weak or tight and rigid. In some cases, neurological disorders — such as mental retardation or seizures — also occur in children with cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy isn't curable. However, the right therapy can make a world of a difference. Today, children with cerebral palsy may benefit from a wide range of treatment options and innovations, including physical therapy, speech therapy, medications, educational programs and computerized aids.

Cerebral Palsy Symptoms   

• seizures
• muscle contractions
• difficulty sucking or feeding
• irregular breathing
• delayed development of motor skills, such as reaching, sitting, rolling, crawling, walking, and so on
• motormental retardation
• mental retardation
• speech abnormalities (dysarthria)
• visual abnormalities
• hearing abnormalities
• spasticity
• progressive joint contractures
• limited range of motion
• peg teeth

In children with Cerebral Palsy, a doctor's examination will indicate delayed development of motor skills. Infantile reflexes (such as sucking and startle) may persist past the age where they usually disappear. Muscle tremor or spasticity may be evident, with a tendency of infants to tuck their arms in toward their sides, scissor like movement of the legs, or other abnormal movements.

Various laboratory tests may be performed to eliminate other causes of the symptoms.

• MRI of the head demonstrates structural or congenital abnormalities
• CT scan of the head demonstrates structural or congenital abnormalities
• Hearing screen (to determine auditory status)
• Visual testing (to determine visual status)
• EEG
• Blood tests to exclude metabolic or hereditary conditions

Treatment   

There is no specific cure for cerebral palsy. The goal of treatment is to maximize independence. Treatment is guided by the symptoms exhibited and may include physical therapy, braces, appropriate glasses and hearing aids, medications, special education or appropriate schooling, and in severe cases, institutionalization.

Placement in traditional schools is advised unless physical disabilities or mental development makes this impossible. Glasses, hearing aids, and other equipment must be designed specifically for the particular disabilities and may assist with communication and learning. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, orthopedic intervention, or other treatments may be appropriate.

Medications may include muscle relaxants to reduce tremors and spasticity, and anticonvulsants to prevent or reduce the frequency of seizures.

Surgery may be needed in some cases to release joint contractures, a progressive problem associated with spasticity. Surgery may also be necessary for placement of feeding tubes and to control gastroesophageal reflux. Recently, the use of botulinum toxin injections has been shown to reduce or delay the need for surgery.

Support Groups   

For organizations that provide support and additional information, see cerebral palsy resources.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy or any other birth injury due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to monetary compensation.  For a free evaluation of your claim fill out the form below completely. Once you submit your information, your free consultation form will be sent to an experienced lawyer for evaluation. That lawyer will review your form in accordance with the site terms and conditions and may contact you discuss your rights.

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Free Cerebral Palsy Lawyers Consultation

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