Cerebral Palsy

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Cerebral Palsy

General Classification

Types of Spastic CP

Presentation (signs and symptoms)

History

Cause

Incidence and prevalence

Prognosis

Treatment

Cultural Dimensions

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is an umbrella term encompassing a group of non-progressive neurological physical disabilities in the development of human movement and posture. CP arises from disturbances in the developing fetal or infant brain; motor disorders are often accompanied by disturbances of sensation, cognition, communication, perception, and/or behavior, and/or by a seizure disorder” (Rosenbaum et al, 2005).

The incidence in developed countries is approximately 2-2.5 per 1000 live births. Incidence has not declined over the last 60 years despite medical advances like electro-fetal monitoring. Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive disorder, however secondary orthopaedic deformities are common, for example hip dislocation and scoliosis of the spine. There is no known cure; medical intervention is limited to the treatment and prevention of complications possible from their disabilities. Allied health is employed to maximise their function and ease of care. Severity varies widely, and cerebral palsy ranks among the most costly congenital conditions to manage.

Cerebral palsy is divided into four major classifications to describe the different movement impairments. These classifications reflect the area of brain damaged. Cerebral palsy can occur during pregnancy (~75%), at birth (~5%) or after birth (~15%). 80% of causes are unknown. For the small number where cause is known this can include infections, malnutrition, and significant head injury in very early childhood.

The four major classifications are:

  • Spastic;
  • Athetoid;
  • Ataxic, and
  • Mixed.

In 30% of all cases of cerebral palsy, the spastic form is found along with one of the other types. There are a number of other minor types of cerebral palsy, but these are the most common.

Contents

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Articles:

Man treks Atlantic coast on bike to promote cerebral palsy awareness
NEW ORLEANS -- Bower Lyman, 5, has been challenged from the moment he was born at eight weeks premature. He came down with a serious infection while in neonatal intensive care. At one point he stopped breathing and developed cerebral palsy, brain damage from a lack of blood flow to his brain. He doesn't have the ability to walk, talk or feed himself. And yet his mom and dad say he radiates pure ...
Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:55:07 -0700

Cerebral palsy risk rises in post term babies: Study
Babies born past their due dates ? at 42 weeks or later, are at increased risk for cerebral palsy compared to those born at 40 weeks, according to new research. That said, the actual risk of cerebral palsy remains low. According to the CDC one in 303 children have some type of cerebral palsy. Common symptoms may include movement problems, muscle stiffness, poor muscle tone, and spasticity. The ...
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:57:12 -0700

Timing of Delivery May Affect Cerebral Palsy Risk
Title: Timing of Delivery May Affect Cerebral Palsy Risk Category: Health News Created: 9/1/2010 10:36:00 AM Last Editorial Review: 9/1/2010 10:36:01 AM
Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:30:23 -0700

Postterm birth increases cerebral palsy risk: Study
While preterm birth is a known risk factor for cerebral palsy, an examination of data for infants born at term or later finds that compared with delivery at 40 weeks, birth at 37 or 38 weeks or at 42 weeks or later was associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy, according to a study in the September 1 issue of JAMA.
Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:13:02 -0700

£4m payout for cerebral palsy girl
A teenageR with severe cerebral palsy is set to receive a £4m compensation package.
Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:13:45 -0700

Babies Born Past Term Associated With Increased Risk Of Cerebral Palsy
While preterm birth is a known risk factor for cerebral palsy, an examination of data for infants born at term or later finds that compared with delivery at 40 weeks, birth at 37 or 38 weeks or at 42 weeks or later was associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy, according to a study in the September 1 issue of JAMA.Cerebral palsy (CP), the most common cause of physical disability in ...
Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:15:02 -0700

Cerebral Palsy Risk Linked To Pre And Post Due Date Births Compared To 40 Week Terms
An examination of data conducted by Dag Moster, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Bergen, Norway found that infants entering the world at term or later are associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy (CP). This JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) published study first appeared on September 1, 2010. CP is the most common cause of physical disability children. Non ...
Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:26:31 -0700

Botox Treatments For Cerebral Palsy Cited In $600 Million Settlement
The maker of Botox said Wednesday it will pay $600 million to settle an investigation into its marketing of the drug for off-label uses, including for the treatment of cerebral palsy.
Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:11:01 -0700

£4m awarded to cerebral palsy woman
A teenager with severe cerebral palsy is to receive £4 million in compensation.
Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:08:07 -0700

£4 million compensation for cerebral palsy teenager
A teenager who has severe cerebral palsy is set to receive a £4 million compensation package.
Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:48:22 -0700

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