CEREBRAL PALSY

CEREBRAL PALSY

It is a neuromuscular disease that does not develop and can cause mild to severe disability at any stage of life.This syndrome presents as a cluster of persistent qualitative motor impairments that first arise in young children as a result of intrauterine conditions or brain injury sustained following birth.The neurological issues are many but not progressively worsening.About 2 out of every 100 live births have this issue.There is no inherited susceptibility to this condition.

Causes of cerebral palsy:

1. damage to the brain sustained during birth.
2.  as a side effect of using forceps.
3. oxygen supply to the infant was cut off during delivery.
4.  infections that occur during childbirth.

Signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy:--

All afflicted newborns may not exhibit the same signs and symptoms.The severity of lesions in the brain varies depending on the extent of damage.
20% of youngsters will experience moderate disabilities.
Moderate instances: A moderate handicap is present in 50% of cases.The impacted kids need self-assistance to aid with their limited ability to walk.
Severe cases: Approximately 30% of the afflicted kids are completely bedridden, unable of moving, and constantly in need of outside assistance.

Abnormal findings in cerebral palsy:-

1. abnormal reactions in newborns.
2. All muscles are stiff and move awkwardly.
3. extending the limbs as the baby is suspended vertically.
4. lower limb scissoring brought on by a thigh adductor muscle spasm.
5. In extreme situations, the back arches backward.
6. may be completely or partially paralyzed.
7. halting of behavioral and neurological development.
8. Some people may find it difficult to swallow.
9. saliva drooling.
10. severe mental retardations to mild ones.
11. Sometimes, abnormal motions are seen.
12. tremors accompanied with normal motions.
13. Loss of muscle tone and trouble walking are signs that the cerebellum is damaged.
14. loss of hearing, total or partial.
15. Speech might be impacted.
16. Squinting may be linked to further visual issues.
17. Certain children may have convulsions.

A thorough clinical examination is required to identify cerebral palsy, and other conditions that resemble it, such as brain tumors and progressive atrophy, must be ruled out.To rule out other disorders, all examinations, including standard investigations and CT and MRI scans, are required.

Management of carebral palsy:--

General management:

This covers healthy eating habits and self-care.  Medications for symptoms are required to lessen convulsions and rigidity in the muscles.  Diazepam can lessen athetosis and spasticity.

Dantrolene sodium aids in the skeletal muscles' relaxation.

Physiotherapy:

In this case, massage, exercise, hydrotherapy, etc. are required.To improve speech, swallowing, and movement, special training is provided.Additionally, the impacted kids receive training on holding objects for daily tasks.

Rehabilitation:

These kids need to get social and moral assistance.They have to be sent to special schools where qualified teachers can provide them with specialized instruction.Children who are mentally retarded require specific instruction.Depending on the disability, specialized tools and machinery are provided to help with daily tasks and for mobility.

Occupational therapy:

Occupational therapists provide this.In order to enable the handicapped individuals to earn a living on their own, they train them for appropriate jobs.