Health Encyclopedia

Cerebral palsy

Definition

Cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders that involve loss of movement or loss of other nerve function.

Alternative Names

Spastic paralysis; Paralysis - spastic

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Cerebral palsy is caused by injuries to the cerebrum (the largest part of the brain), which occur as the baby grows in the womb or near the time of birth.

Initially cerebral palsy was thought to be related to trauma and strangulation during birth (birth asphyxia), which leads to lack of oxygen to the brain), but in a study of 45,000 births it was shown that birth asphyxia is an uncommon cause of cerebral palsy.

In patients with cerebral palsy, parts of the brain areas receive lower levels of oxygen (hypoxia) at some point, but it is not known why this occurs.

Premature infants have a slightly higher rate of cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy may also occur during early infancy as a result of illnesses (encephalitis, meningitis, herpes simplex infections, and so on), head injury that results in subdural hematoma, blood vessel injuries, and many others conditions.

Injury to the cerebrum can result in the loss of nerve functions in widely different areas. The classical finding of CP is increased muscle tone ( spasticity ). Spasticity may affect:

One arm or leg
One side of the body (spastic hemiplegia)
Both legs (spastic diplegia)
Both arms and legs (spastic quadriplegia)

In addition, the child may have a partial or full loss of movement (paralysis), problems hearing and vision, and sensation abnormalities. Speech problems are common. Seizures may occur.

Intellectual function may range from extremely bright normal to severe mental retardation. Symptoms are usually seen before age 2. In severe cases, they may appear as early as 3 months.

Classifications of cerebral palsy include spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, and mixed.

Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type.
Dyskinetic (athetoid) cerebral palsy involves development of abnormal movements (twisting, jerking, or other movements).
Ataxic cerebral palsy involves tremors, unsteady gait, loss of coordination, and abnormal movements.
Mixed cerebral palsy involves any combination of symptoms.

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 problems (dysarthria)
Visual problems
Hearing problems
Spasticity
Joint contractures that slowly get worse
Limited range of motion
Peg teeth

Signs and tests

In many cases, a doctor's examination indicates 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, scissors movements of the legs, or other abnormal movements.

Various laboratory tests may be performed to eliminate nutritional or 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.

Mainstreaming in regular schools is advised unless physical disabilities or mental development makes this impossible. Glasses, hearing aids, or 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 show to reduce or delay the need for surgery.

Support Groups

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

Expectations (prognosis)

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disorder. Long-term care may be required. The disorder does not affect expected length of life. The extent of disability varies.

Complications

Seizures
Injuries from falls
Reduced mobility
Reduced communication skills (sometimes)
Reduced intellect (sometimes)
Social stigmatization

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if symptoms of cerebral palsy develop, especially if you know that an injury occurred during birth or early infancy.

Prevention

Adequate prenatal care may reduce the risk of some rare causes of cerebral palsy. However, dramatic improvements over the last 15 years in obstetrical care at delivery have not reduced the rate of cerebral palsy. In most cases, the injury causing the disorder may not be preventable.

Pregnant mothers with various medical conditions may need to be followed in a high risk prenatal clinic.

Review Date:8/7/2006
Reviewed By:Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, NeuroscienceInstitute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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