Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term that describes several disorders that affect the ability of afflicted patients to coordinate the movements of their muscles. The Mayo Clinic explains that in the United States and Europe, one or two out of every 1,000 live births will have cerebral palsy.
SYMPTOMS
Patients with cerebral palsy can have a wide range of symptoms, which can range from severe to mild, Medline explains. They may have problems with muscle coordination and have abnormal muscle tone. Some patients have exaggerated reflexes and stiff muscles. Cerebral palsy can also lead to tremors, problems with walking and problems with drooling, speaking and swallowing.
CAUSES
Most causes of cerebral palsy, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, occur before birth. Sometimes it is a result of inadequate oxygen to the brain during birth. Some cases are caused by broken blood vessels in the brain or other causes of abnormal brain growth. In some cases, cerebral palsy is acquired early in the child's life, often as a result of infections, such as meningitis and viral encephalitis.
COMPLICATIONS
A side from the problems with muscle movement, cerebral palsy can cause certain complications, the Mayo Clinic explains. Extremely tight muscles can cause contractures, which is a condition in which the limbs are curled in. This can cause permanent deformities and joint dislocation. Some patients also have trouble eating, which can lead to malnutrition.
DIAGNOSIS
Brain scans can be used to diagnose cerebral palsy early in life. Commonly used modalities include cranial ultrasound, MRI and CT scans. Because cerebral palsy and epilepsy can both be caused by brain abnormalities, patients may have an electroencephalogram to check for epilepsy. This test measures the patient's brain waves and can identify abnormal electrical activity that can lead to seizures. Blood tests can also be done to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
TREATMENT
Muscle relaxants, such as diazepam and dantrolene, can be used to relax spasming muscles. Botulinum toxin can also be injected directly into spastic muscles to cause them to relax. Physical, occupational and speech therapies can be used to train patients to overcome or cope with their limitations. Orthopedic surgery can be used to treat limb deformities and severely spastic muscles can be treated by severing the nerves that connect to them.
REFERENCES NINDS: Cerebral Palsy Mayo Clinic: Cerebral Palsy Medline: Cerebral Palsy
Article reviewed by Renee Peterson Last updated on: Apr 29, 2010
SYMPTOMS
Patients with cerebral palsy can have a wide range of symptoms, which can range from severe to mild, Medline explains. They may have problems with muscle coordination and have abnormal muscle tone. Some patients have exaggerated reflexes and stiff muscles. Cerebral palsy can also lead to tremors, problems with walking and problems with drooling, speaking and swallowing.
CAUSES
Most causes of cerebral palsy, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, occur before birth. Sometimes it is a result of inadequate oxygen to the brain during birth. Some cases are caused by broken blood vessels in the brain or other causes of abnormal brain growth. In some cases, cerebral palsy is acquired early in the child's life, often as a result of infections, such as meningitis and viral encephalitis.
COMPLICATIONS
A side from the problems with muscle movement, cerebral palsy can cause certain complications, the Mayo Clinic explains. Extremely tight muscles can cause contractures, which is a condition in which the limbs are curled in. This can cause permanent deformities and joint dislocation. Some patients also have trouble eating, which can lead to malnutrition.
DIAGNOSIS
Brain scans can be used to diagnose cerebral palsy early in life. Commonly used modalities include cranial ultrasound, MRI and CT scans. Because cerebral palsy and epilepsy can both be caused by brain abnormalities, patients may have an electroencephalogram to check for epilepsy. This test measures the patient's brain waves and can identify abnormal electrical activity that can lead to seizures. Blood tests can also be done to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
TREATMENT
Muscle relaxants, such as diazepam and dantrolene, can be used to relax spasming muscles. Botulinum toxin can also be injected directly into spastic muscles to cause them to relax. Physical, occupational and speech therapies can be used to train patients to overcome or cope with their limitations. Orthopedic surgery can be used to treat limb deformities and severely spastic muscles can be treated by severing the nerves that connect to them.
REFERENCES NINDS: Cerebral Palsy Mayo Clinic: Cerebral Palsy Medline: Cerebral Palsy
Article reviewed by Renee Peterson Last updated on: Apr 29, 2010
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