Cerebral Palsy

(CP) CP is the most permanent disability of childhood,affecting 1.2 to 2 in every 10000 live births.

CP is a general term given to a group of nonprogressive disorders of motor impairment that cause motor dysfunction.

The child may also exhibit intellectual,visual,language,and neurological impairment.

The primary impairment is poor muscle tone and poor coordination.

Etiology

There are many reasons for CP from antental factors such as maternal nutritional

deficiencies,infections,maternal drug ingestion,maternal metabolic disturbances,maternal

hemorrhage,toxemia,and blood incompatibilities

Perinatal factors include cerebral taruma,and lack of oxygen during birth known as Blue babies,

this is the most significantroll in brain damage.

Impairments

Delayed motor development

Involuntary movements

Hypertonic muscles

Poor sucking

Feeding difficulties

Persistence of primitive reflexes Arching of back

Vision and hearing

Develpomental disabilities

exaggerated deep tendon

reflexes Extension and scissoring of lower extremities

Medical Management

There is no specific treatment for Cp there is Physical, and Speech and hearing therapists.

The parents of these special children do alot of exercising at home to help tone the muscles so eventually they

can see their child walk, something most of us do without thinking is a great acheivement for them.

The Prognosis

CP is a chronic disability ,there is no cure, but promotion of the optimal

developement is vital so the child may realize full potential with in the limits of their brain dysfunction.