Cerebral Palsy; Definition, Etiology, Classification, and Treatment

Defining Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a disorder concerning posture and movements. The umbrella term covers a wide group of changing, non-progressive and motor impairments that are caused by brain lesions or abnormalities. The worldwide incidence of cerebral palsy is of 2.5 /1000 live births.

Etiology and Risk Factors

CP has multi-factorial and diverse causes. Causes of CP include genetic, congenital, infectious, inflammatory, traumatic, anoxic and metabolic. The brain of the child may suffer from injuries during Natal (during birth), Perinatal (immediately before and after birth) or Post Natal (after birth) stages. 80% of CP cases belong to the prenatal injury class.

Associated Deficits

Mental Retardation:

CP affected children also suffer from mental retardation, in around 60% of cases. Disorders and impairments related to vision are common and are found in around 28% of CP affected children. Around 35% to 65% of CP affected patients also suffer from epilepsy.

Speech Disorders:

38% of CP affected children suffer from impaired speech and articulation disorders along with difficulty in drooling and swallowing.

Classification

CP can be classified into;

Quadriplegic CP:

This is a rather severe form of CP and involves all the 4 limbs of the body. The child shows only a few voluntary movements.

Hemiplegic CP:

In this form of CP, the upper limbs are affected more than the lower limbs. The functions of the hand are most affected.

Diplegia CP:

The form of CP is characterized by lower weight at birth and prematurity. Lower limbs of the body are severely affected.

Prevention

Cerebral Palsy can be prevented by immunization (vaccines), nutrition and better perinatal care.

Treatment

Treatment for Cerebral Palsy includes therapeutic procedures like:

Physical Therapy:

A physical therapist offers therapy that improves balance, strength, coordination, flexibility and motor skills. The therapists also train the families and the children to use the adaptive equipment.

Occupational Therapy:

The occupational therapists develop the fine motor skills and also work on improving the posture and upper body functions of the CP affected child. The therapy helps the child to master the basic activities related to daily living. These include dressing, eating and using the bathroom.

Speech Therapy:

Speech therapy aims at treating the disorders related to communication. Apart from inculcating language and communication skills, the speech therapy also helps a child to learn sign language.

Psychology:

The Psychologist therapy reduces the destructive and unhelpful child behavior. It also helps to lower stress.

Orthotics:

Orthotics, in the form of splints, braces, and other medical devices provide for correction of muscle abnormalities in patients. The supports provide for better sitting, walking and standing.

Stem Cell Therapy:

Treatment for cerebral palsy can also be provided through stem cells. Stem cells are most basic cells found in all mammals. These cells have unique self-renewal and differentiation capability. Cells, obtained from sources like bone marrow help in neurological repairs. The regenerative cells offer structural support to the surrounding tissue and damaged cells. They remyelinate the damaged axons and hence provide the neurons capability to transfer nerve impulses again. These therapeutic cells also secrete the Neurotrophic factors that provide for growth of the neural tissues.

The world class and leading healthcare institutions like NeuroGen Brain And Spine Institute ( NGBSI) combine stem cell therapy and Neuro-rehabilitation program. Hence, a child affected with CP gets benefited through multiple ways. While stem cell treatment for cerebral palsy addresses the root cause of the problem and improves brain health, other therapies that are included in the rehabilitation program like Speech therapy, Occupational Therapy, Yoga Therapy, Physical Therapy and Aquatic Therapy among others improve the cognitive and physical health of the patients. NGSBI also offers Autism stem cell treatment, and treatment for other neurological and muscular diseases such as Dementia and Muscular Dystrophy, amongst others.

The author is an expert in the field of stem cell research & therapy. The writer has a flair for writing and she keeps on writing various articles and blogs related to industry.