Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect the part of the brain directing muscle movement. The condition appears during infancy or early childhood and permanently modifies body movement and muscle coordination. When damage or abnormalities occur to the brain in the development stage, the brain loses its ability to control movement and maintain balance or posture. This condition is known as cerebral palsy.

Associated Anatomy

Motor area of the cerebral cortex, the brain’s outer layer

Signs or Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

Common signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy include-

Stiff muscles
Lack of balance or posture
Jerky involuntary movements
Difficulty in walking
Difficulty in motor skills like picking up utensils, buttoning clothes, etc.
Difficulty in speaking
Problem swallowing food
Delayed growth of the child
Improper vision and eye movement
Hearing difficulties
Spasticity

Certain symptoms are observed when a child is

Younger than 6 months
When you pick up the baby, the head lags or the legs become stiff
The baby feels stiff or floppy
Between the age of 6 to 10 months
The child is unable to roll over or join hands
He finds it difficult to bring his hands to the mouth
He reaches out with one hand only
Older than 10 months
- The child crawls lopsidedly, dragging hands and legs
- He is unable to stand with support

Cerebral Palsy Causes

Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)-Damage in the white matter of the brain responsible for transmitting signals in and out of the brain.
Gene Mutation-Changes in the gene of the child resulting in genetic inheritance or difference in brain development in the child.
Intracranial Hemorrhage-Bleeding in the brain.
Abnormal brain development of the brain.
Infant Infection-Infections before birth cause inflammation around the brain.
Maternal Infections-The mother carrying the baby is affected by infections that damage the developing fetus.
Traumatic Head Injury-The child suffers from accidents or falls at a young age
Lack of Oxygen-Caused by interruption or poor oxygen supply to the developing child during labor or delivery.

Fetal Stroke- Blood clots in the placenta block the blood flow to the child’s brain, causing a fatal stroke. Thus, resulting in bleeding in the brain or a severe lack of oxygen.