Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is a group of problems that affect body movement and posture. It is related to a brain injury or to problems with brain development. It is one of the most common causes of lasting disability in children.
Cerebral palsy causes reflex movements that a person can't control and muscle tightness that may affect parts or all of the body. These problems can range from mild to severe. Intellectual disability, seizures, and vision and hearing problems can occur.
Cerebral palsy is caused by a brain injury or problem that occurs during pregnancy or birth or within the first 2 to 3 years of a child's life. It can be caused by:
Everyone with cerebral palsy has problems with body movement and posture. But the physical problems are worse for some people than for others.
Some people who have cerebral palsy have a slight limp or a hard time walking. Other people have little or no control over their arms and legs or other parts of the body, such as the mouth and tongue, which can cause problems with eating and speaking. People who have severe forms of cerebral palsy are more likely to have other problems, such as seizures or intellectual disability.
Babies with severe cerebral palsy often have problems with their posture. Their bodies may be either very floppy or very stiff. Birth defects sometimes occur along with cerebral palsy. Examples of birth defects include a spine that doesn't have the normal shape, a small jawbone, or a small head.
The brain injury or problem that causes cerebral palsy doesn't get worse over time. But new symptoms may appear, or symptoms may change or get worse as your child gets older. This is why some babies born with cerebral palsy don't show clear signs of it right away.
Causes :
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a result of an injury to the brain or abnormal development of the brain. In many cases, the exact cause isn't known. The damage or abnormality may occur during pregnancy or birth or within the first 2 to 3 years of life.
Signs that occur over time
Some problems related to CP become more clear over time. Or they may develop as a child grows. These may include:
Cerebral palsy causes reflex movements that a person can't control and muscle tightness that may affect parts or all of the body. These problems can range from mild to severe. Intellectual disability, seizures, and vision and hearing problems can occur.
Cerebral palsy is caused by a brain injury or problem that occurs during pregnancy or birth or within the first 2 to 3 years of a child's life. It can be caused by:
- Problems from being born too early (premature birth).
- Not getting enough blood, oxygen, or other nutrients before or during birth.
- A serious head injury.
- A serious infection that can affect the brain, such as meningitis.
- Some problems passed from parent to child (genetic conditions) that affect brain development.
Everyone with cerebral palsy has problems with body movement and posture. But the physical problems are worse for some people than for others.
Some people who have cerebral palsy have a slight limp or a hard time walking. Other people have little or no control over their arms and legs or other parts of the body, such as the mouth and tongue, which can cause problems with eating and speaking. People who have severe forms of cerebral palsy are more likely to have other problems, such as seizures or intellectual disability.
Babies with severe cerebral palsy often have problems with their posture. Their bodies may be either very floppy or very stiff. Birth defects sometimes occur along with cerebral palsy. Examples of birth defects include a spine that doesn't have the normal shape, a small jawbone, or a small head.
The brain injury or problem that causes cerebral palsy doesn't get worse over time. But new symptoms may appear, or symptoms may change or get worse as your child gets older. This is why some babies born with cerebral palsy don't show clear signs of it right away.
Causes :
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a result of an injury to the brain or abnormal development of the brain. In many cases, the exact cause isn't known. The damage or abnormality may occur during pregnancy or birth or within the first 2 to 3 years of life.
- Possible causes of CP during pregnancy or birth can include genetic problems, infections or health problems in the mother or baby during pregnancy, or problems related to labor and delivery. Health problems in a newborn, such as untreated low blood sugar, can also cause brain damage that leads to CP.
- Possible causes of CP related to an early birth (premature birth) are related to the brain's development. For example, babies born too early are at risk for bleeding in the brain.
- Possible causes of CP within the first 2 or 3 years of life are usually related to brain damage from a serious illness, injury, or lack of oxygen to the brain
- Common signs of severe CP that may be noticed shortly after birth include:
- Problems sucking and swallowing.
- A weak or shrill cry.
- Seizures.
- Unusual positions. Often the baby's body is either very relaxed and floppy or very stiff.
Signs that occur over time
Some problems related to CP become more clear over time. Or they may develop as a child grows. These may include:
- Smaller muscles in the affected arms or legs.Nervous system problems prevent movement in the affected arms and legs. Not being active affects how the muscles grow.
- Abnormal sensations. Some people who have CP feel pain when touched lightly. Even everyday activities, such as brushing teeth, may hurt. Abnormal sensations can also make it hard to identify common objects by touch.
- Skin irritation. Drooling is common when facial and throat muscles are affected. Drooling irritates the skin, particularly around the mouth, chin, and chest.
- Dental problems. Children who have trouble brushing their teeth have a greater risk of getting cavities and gum disease (gingivitis). Seizure medicines may also lead to gum disease.
- Accidents. Falls and other accidents are a risk, depending on muscle control, joint stiffness, and general physical strength. And CP-related seizures can cause injuries.
