Summary about Disease
Infantile Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. These disorders are due to non-progressive disturbances that occurred in the developing fetal or infant brain. CP affects body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance. CP is not a disease itself, but rather a group of conditions with similar characteristics.
Symptoms
Symptoms of CP vary greatly in type and severity from person to person, and even in the same individual over time. Some common symptoms include:
Motor Impairments: Muscle stiffness or spasticity, involuntary movements (athetosis), poor balance and coordination (ataxia), tremors, difficulty walking, delays in motor skill development (rolling over, sitting, crawling).
Muscle Tone Abnormalities: Can range from being too stiff (hypertonia) to too floppy (hypotonia).
Reflex Abnormalities: Exaggerated reflexes (hyperreflexia), persistence of primitive reflexes (e.g., Moro reflex beyond its normal age).
Posture and Balance Problems: Difficulty maintaining an upright posture, poor balance.
Other Potential Symptoms: Speech and swallowing difficulties, feeding problems, seizures, intellectual disabilities, vision or hearing impairments, learning disabilities, bowel and bladder control issues.
Causes
CP is caused by damage or abnormal development in the brain that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. Specific causes can be difficult to pinpoint, but some known risk factors and causes include:
Prenatal Factors: Genetic abnormalities, maternal infections (e.g., rubella, cytomegalovirus), maternal health problems (e.g., thyroid issues, seizures), Rh incompatibility, exposure to toxins, problems with the placenta.
Perinatal Factors (During Birth): Premature birth, low birth weight, birth asphyxia (lack of oxygen during birth), complications during labor and delivery.
Postnatal Factors (After Birth): Brain infections (e.g., meningitis, encephalitis), head injuries, stroke in infancy, near-drowning.
Unknown Cause: In many cases, the specific cause of CP remains unknown.
Medicine Used
There is no cure for CP, so treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Medications may be used to manage specific symptoms, including:
Muscle Relaxants: To reduce muscle spasticity (e.g., baclofen, diazepam, dantrolene).
Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections: To temporarily reduce spasticity in specific muscles.
Anti-Seizure Medications: To control seizures if present.
Pain Relievers: To manage pain.
Medications for other related conditions: Such as medications for gastroesophageal reflux, sleep disturbances, or behavioral problems.
Is Communicable
No, Infantile Cerebral Palsy is not communicable. It is not caused by an infection and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Since CP isn't communicable, precautions focus on preventing potential causes and managing existing symptoms. This involves:
Prenatal Care: Adequate prenatal care, including vaccinations and screening for infections, to minimize risks during pregnancy.
Safe Delivery Practices: Proper monitoring and management during labor and delivery to prevent birth asphyxia and other complications.
Infant Safety: Preventing head injuries in infants.
Therapy and Support: Early intervention therapies (physical, occupational, speech) to maximize functional abilities and prevent secondary complications.
Home Safety: Modify the home environment to prevent falls and other accidents.
How long does an outbreak last?
Cerebral Palsy is not an outbreak. It is a permanent condition.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis of CP usually involves a comprehensive evaluation, including:
Medical History: Review of the child's medical history, including prenatal, birth, and postnatal events.
Physical Examination: Assessment of motor skills, muscle tone, reflexes, posture, and coordination.
Neurological Examination: Evaluation of brain and nervous system function.
Developmental Assessment: Assessment of cognitive, language, and social-emotional development.
Imaging Studies: MRI or CT scans of the brain may be performed to look for structural abnormalities.
Other Tests: EEG (if seizures are suspected), vision and hearing tests.
Genetic Testing: Genetic Testing to rule out genetic conditions. Diagnosis is often made during infancy or early childhood, but may sometimes be delayed if symptoms are mild or atypical.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies, but some general patterns exist:
Early Infancy (0-6 Months): Some signs may be apparent early on, such as unusual muscle tone (either too stiff or too floppy), difficulty with feeding, delayed motor milestones (e.g., not holding head up).
Later Infancy (6-12 Months): Delays in rolling over, sitting, or crawling may become more apparent. Asymmetrical movements or persistent primitive reflexes may be observed.
Toddlerhood (12-36 Months): Difficulties with walking, poor coordination, speech delays, and other developmental delays may become more noticeable. The specific type and severity of CP may become clearer. It's important to note that early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for maximizing a child's potential.
Important Considerations
Variability: CP is highly variable, and the impact on each individual is unique.
Non-Progressive: The brain damage itself is non-progressive, meaning it doesn't worsen over time. However, secondary complications, such as muscle contractures, can develop if not managed properly.
Multidisciplinary Approach: Management of CP requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving physicians (pediatricians, neurologists, orthopedists), therapists (physical, occupational, speech), educators, and other specialists.
Early Intervention: Early intervention programs are essential to maximize a child's potential and improve their quality of life.
Lifelong Condition: CP is a lifelong condition, and ongoing support and management are often required.
Family Support: Support for families is crucial, as raising a child with CP can be challenging.