Cerebral Palsy (CP)

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is an umbrella term used to describe a group of chronic conditions affecting body movement, posture and coordination. Cerebral Palsy itself is not progressive, which means it does not get worse. However, secondary conditions, such as muscle spasticity, can get worse over time. Cerebral Palsy is the most common pediatric neurologic disorder and motor disorder in developed countries. It affects about 2 out of every 1,000 live births. Symptoms can range from very mild, involving trouble with coordination of one extremity. More severe symptoms can cause an inability to walk or talk. Cerebral Palsy may affect bones and joints, causing scoliosis, hip dislocations, muscle contractures or walking difficulties. In addition, vision, hearing, speech, feeding and breathing may be affected. Only about 50% of patients with Cerebral Palsy have cognitive limitations.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

The symptoms of Cerebral Palsy include a movement or posture abnormality which is not progressive. The child may be delayed in reaching developmental milestones such as sitting or walking. During infancy, you and/or your pediatrician may note some abnormal reflexes, poor muscle tone, irritability, difficulty sucking/swallowing, or fisted hands. In later infancy and during the toddler years, you and/or your pediatrician may notice that your child isn’t walking or walks differently than other children the same age.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain during fetal development, before, during, or shortly after birth, or during infancy. Damage to the motor areas of the brain disrupt’s the brain’s ability to adequately control movement and posture. Diagnosing the cause of Cerebral Palsy is very difficult and the exact cause is often unknown. A Pediatric Neurologist or Rehabilitation Physician will often be the person to make the diagnosis with a thorough developmental evaluation and possibly a brain MRI.

Treatment of Cerebral Palsy

Although Cerebral Palsy is not ‘curable’ in the accepted sense, many interventions can help improve function. Orthopedic Surgery, Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Pediatrics, Neurology, Genetics, Nutrition, and The Center for Gait and Motion Analysis work together as a team to try to control symptoms and help children to live to their fullest potential. We understand that every child is different and therefore tailor treatment recommendations to both the child and their family members.