Cerrebal palsy;
resulting from brain damage at around the time of birth. Between 0.1% and 0.2% of children have some form of cerebral palsy; up to 1% of premature or small babies are affected by this in some way.The specific cause of most cases of cerebral palsy is unknown. Damage to the brain could occur before, during, or shortly after birth. Prenatal causes include maternal infection (especially German measles), radiation, and maternal diabetes. Causes at the time of birth include trauma in delivery, prematurity, and multiple birth (especially for infants born last in a multiple birth).
Cerebral palsy can be divided into four main groups:
Spastic syndromes, in which the muscles become stiff or paralysed, represent about 70 per cent of cases. Athetoid syndromes occur in about 20% of cases of cerebral palsy. Slow, writhing, involuntary movements is one of the syndromes. sometimes abrupt, jerky movements, resembling the movements of people with chorea, may also occur. All these movements increase with emotional tension and may disappear during sleep. Ataxic syndromes are quite rare and involve weakness and problems with balance and coordination.
Mixed forms of cerebral palsy, with combinations of syndromes, are common. Defects in vision, convulsive seizures, and mental underdevelopment, may also be present.
The chief goal in treating cerebral palsy is for patients to develop maximal independence within the limits of their individual motor and associated disabilities. Usually the extent of damage cannot be fully assessed until the child is about two years old. Drugs can sometimes be helpful; for example, seizure can be controlled with anticonvulsants. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, the use of braces or other mechanical devices, orthopaedic surgery, and speech training may all be required. With proper treatment, many people with cerebral palsy are able to lead lives that are not significantly different from those of people who are not afflicted.