Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of conditions that affect the development of the brain and the way it controls movement. It affects different children and can cause a wide range of symptoms and effects.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Signs and symptoms of CP may appear at birth, or they might not be diagnosed until later in life. Your child’s doctor will make the diagnosis based on your child’s signs and symptoms, medical history, physical exam, and review of any risk factors that were present during pregnancy.
Early detection and treatment are critical to the long-term health of your child. A team of healthcare professionals can work together to come up with a treatment plan that meets your child’s specific needs and challenges. Your doctor will recommend a range of treatments, including medications, therapies, and surgical procedures as needed to improve your child’s functional abilities and reduce the severity of his or her symptoms. These options may include injections of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox), intrathecal baclofen therapy (Gablofen, Lioresal), or selective dorsal rhizotomy, a procedure that cuts nerves near the base of your child’s spinal column to relieve chronic pain and spasticity.
Other possible treatments for your child’s cerebral palsy are physical and occupational therapy, bracing, and home stretching. These therapies can help your child improve his or her motor skills and reduce spasticity.
Care and Support
During your child’s childhood, they will need to go to various medical visits and attend therapy sessions with their care team. It can be overwhelming at times, but your child’s team of healthcare professionals will help you and your family feel supported through this process.
Signs and Symptoms
Some signs of CP may be seen right away, such as your baby not being able to hold their head up or walk by themselves. Others may not be visible until later in life, such as your baby having trouble bringing their hands together to pick things up or having difficulty crawling.
A diagnosis of CP is usually made when your child is a few months to a year old. However, some children have a delayed diagnosis because their signs and symptoms are milder than others.
Causes and Risk Factors
Common causes of CP are injury to the brain and damage during pregnancy, which can affect how your child’s brain develops. A child can also get a brain infection, such as meningitis or encephalitis.
Premature birth or low birth weight are other risk factors that can increase the chance of your child developing CP. These issues can be prevented through proper care during your child’s pregnancy, delivery, and the first few years after birth.
Living with CP
Diagnosis and treatment of your child’s CP are essential for improving their quality of life and helping them learn as much as possible. A team of healthcare professionals can provide the treatment and support your child needs, including physical and occupational therapy and access to services and programs in your community.
Whether your child has severe CP or a milder form of the condition, there is no cure for it. But with a combination of treatments and support, your child can learn to live a healthy, active life.
