All you need to know about Cerebral Palsy

Physiotherapists focus primarily on stretching and flexibility exercises to ease contractures. They improve the range of motion of joints, increase strength and conditioning of the affected muscles, and improve coordination in patients with Cerebral Palsy. Postural training and endurance training are also important treatment aspects in Physiotherapy.

The rehabilitation of children with Cerebral Palsy requires a multidisciplinary approach with a specialized focus on Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech and Language Therapy.

There is no best therapy for Cerebral Palsy, the symptoms of CP can be managed using a wide range of therapies such as Cell Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech and Language Therapy.

Cerebral Palsy often affects the part of the brain that controls speech. This leads to individuals experiencing oral motor functioning issues such as trouble forming sentences or using the correct words. In some instances, patients may also struggle with expressing themselves.

There is no cure for Cerebral Palsy, and hence, a child will not outgrow the condition. However, it will also not get worse with time. Early therapy and treatment can help in better management of Cerebral Palsy symptoms.

Individuals with Cerebral Palsy can expect to live as long as other people without the condition. However, they need certain Cerebral Palsy treatment guidelines, therapy, and medication to improve their quality of life.

Dysarthria is a common consequence of brain damage that can develop due to Cerebral Palsy. Almost 90% of children with the disorder show signs of Dysarthria.

Individuals with Cerebral Palsy lead as normal a life as possible. However, they may need certain treatment, therapies, and medication owing to their condition.

Doctors usually use a combination of Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech and Language Therapy, along with the newest treatments for Cerebral Palsy to help patients manage their condition.

The three major types of Cerebral Palsy include:

Spastic Cerebral Palsy

This is the most common type of Cerebral Palsy, affecting about 80% of all patients. Also known as Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy, it is caused due to motor cortex damage before, during, or after birth. It affects the brain’s ability to send messages to the body’s muscles. As a result, muscles become stiff and make movement difficult or even impossible — a phenomenon known as spasticity. 

Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy accounts for about 6% of all Cerebral Palsy cases. It is caused due to damage in the basal ganglia — the part of the brain responsible for the body’s voluntary movements. Patients with Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy often exhibit involuntary movements, especially when trying to move voluntarily or when feeling tired or anxious. Dyskinetic movements can be of three types:

• Dystonia: Twisted and repetitive movements
• Athetosis: Slow, stormy movements
• Chorea: Unpredictable, dance-like movements

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy is caused due to damage in the cerebellum, which is the balance center of the brain. It affects the patient’s sense of balance and causes clumsy, uncoordinated movements. As a result, day-to-day activities become difficult, particularly activities that require precise movements such as writing or using cutlery while eating. Patients with Ataxic Cerebral Palsy may even walk with a wide gait where their feet are spread further apart from their hips. This is to try and compensate for their impaired sense of balance.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy is caused by damage to the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordinating physical movement. Individuals with the condition often experience tremors and a reduction in muscle tone. It also causes issues with balance, coordination, and voluntary movement.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy accounts for about 6% of all Cerebral Palsy cases.