CEREBRAL PALSY (CP)

General Information

DEFINITION--A group of muscular and nervous-system disorders that begins in infancy and causes varying degrees of disability. Cerebral palsy is not inherited.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Central nervous system; muscular system.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Usually begins in infancy and remains throughout life.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--

Number and severity of the following symptoms vary widely among children with CP:

• Early sucking difficulty with breast or bottle.
• Lack of normal muscle tone (early).
• Slow development (walking, talking).
• Unusual body postures.
• Stiffness and muscle spasms (later).
• Purposeless body movements.
• Poor coordination or balance.
• Crossed eyes.
• Deafness.
• Convulsions.
• Various degrees of mental retardation.

CAUSES--

Defects in the brain and spinal column. The reason for these defects is often unknown (about 70% of the time). Known reasons include:

• Birth injury, including prolonged oxygen deprivation.
• An infection in the mother during pregnancy that spreads to the baby in the uterus; especially rubella (German measles).
• Meningitis or encephalitis during infancy or childhood.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Prematurity.
• Excess alcohol during pregnancy.
• Seizures in the mother during pregnancy.
• Child abuse.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Arrange for good medical care during pregnancy, labor and delivery.
• Eat a well-balanced diet during pregnancy.
• Don't drink alcohol or use any drug, including non-prescription drugs, during pregnancy without consulting your doctor.
• Avoid sick people if you are pregnant.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor. A parent's intuition is often important. Obtain a second opinion, if necessary.
• Laboratory blood studies.
• EEG (See Glossary).
• Psychological tests.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Home care.
• Doctor's treatment.
• Psychotherapy or counseling to help the family accept the disease and help the child achieve maximum potential.
• Surgery to correct muscular-system deformities (sometimes).
• Time in an extended-care facility for children with severe CP (sometimes).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Permanent disability and associated problems such as epilepsy, learning disabilities, mental retardation, behavioral problems, strabismus, hearing loss.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Children vary widely in the severity of this condition. A child with CP may have high intelligence despite major muscular disability. Many children can be cared for in a loving home. Those with less-severe impairment can lead near-normal, productive lives. Children with severe impairments may require special care.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Because early diagnosis is important, be sure your child has regular medical checkups. Failure to diagnose CP may deny the child opportunities for special programs .
• Maintain an optimistic outlook for yourself and your child.
• Seek help and advice from other parents whose children have cerebral palsy.
• Investigate resources in your community, including educational and physical-therapy programs and support groups. Contact the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation, 1(800)USA-1UCP.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Anticonvulsants to control seizures.
• Muscle relaxants to relieve spasms.

ACTIVITY--

• Encourage your child to do as much as he or she can do.
• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and special equipment will help child to reach full potential within the limits set by this disorder.

DIET--No special diet. Constipation is frequent and stool softeners might be considered.

Call Your Doctor If

You are concerned about your child's development or suspect CP.