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Cerebral Palsy

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Iqra Mazhar

Overview

One of the most significant and frequent causes of childhood disability globally, cerebral palsy (CP) is characterized by a collection of movement and posture problems that limit activities and are thought to be the result of non-progressive changes in the prenatal or infant brain.

Usually, people with cerebral palsy are born with the condition. It&#39;s referred to as &quot;congenital&quot; CP. However, it can also appear after birth; in which scenario, it is referred to as &quot;acquired&quot; CP.&nbsp;

CP is frequently accompanied by several comorbidities. A collection of conditions that affects balance, mobility, and muscle tone is known as cerebral palsy (CP). The terms &quot;cerebral palsy&quot; and &quot;palsy&quot; denote disorders linked to the brain and muscles.

According to a 2014 research, cerebral palsy strikes 1 - 3 of every 1,000 8-year-old children, making it the most prevalent neurological condition among kids or infants<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>.

Some doctors also call it:

<ul>
	<li>Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)</li>
	<li>Floppy Baby (Syndrome)</li>
	<li>Froggy Legs</li>
	<li>Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)</li>
	<li>Ballerina Syndrome&nbsp;(Walking On Toes)</li>
	<li>Pervasive Developmental Delays&nbsp;(PDD)</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Cerebral Palsy can be divided into 4 types depending on the sections of the brain it affects: 
&nbsp;

1. Ataxia

2. Spasticity

3. Hypotonia

4. Dyskinesia 
&nbsp;

Many individuals have a combination of these types, and as the person ages and tries to perform new tasks like balance walking, the apparent issues worsen. 
&nbsp;

<h5>1. Ataxic Cerebral Palsy</h5>

The least prevalent form of cerebral palsy is ataxic. Voluntary muscular movements in people with ataxic cerebral palsy are clumsy, awkward, or jerky.

Those who suffer from this type of cerebral palsy struggle with coordination and balance. It&rsquo;s hard to walk and perform any other exercise that makes use of fine motor skills, like writing and gripping objects. 
&nbsp;

<h5>2. Spastic Cerebral Palsy</h5>

The most prevalent form of cerebral palsy, which affects around 80% of those who have it, is spastic cerebral palsy<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.&nbsp;It is the root cause of stiff or tense muscles and more intense reflexes, consequently making walking a challenging task.

Many people with spastic cerebral palsy exhibit aberrant walking patterns, such as accidental knee crossings or scissor-like leg motions. Paralysis and muscle damage might also occur.

It could be the entire body that experiences the symptoms or it could be just one side. Generally, the areas impacted by spastic CP are: 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Spastic Hemiplegia/Hemiparesis ― Just one portion of the body is impaired. Typically, the arm is significantly affected as compared to the leg. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Spastic Diplegia/Diparesis ― The muscles in the arms are either unaffected or only mildly stiffened. It primarily affects the legs. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Individuals with spastic diplegia may find it challenging to walk since their legs tend to pull together, curve inward, and cross at the knees due to tight hip as well as leg muscles (also known as scissoring). 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Spastic Quadriplegia/Quadriparesis ― The four limbs, the trunk, and the face are all affected by the most severe form of spastic CP, known as spastic quadriplegia. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Additionally, the patient faces developmental difficulties, like&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Intellectual disability</li>
	<li>Seizures</li>
	<li>Issues with vision</li>
	<li>Hearing problems</li>
	<li>Speech problems</li>
	<li>Trouble walking</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<h5>3. Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy</h5>

Dyskinetic cerebral palsy patients have difficulty controlling their motions. Unusual, uncontrollable motions of the legs, hands, and arms are symptoms of this type of condition. Occasionally, dyskinetic cerebral palsy has an impact on the tongue and face.

Such movements could be fast and quick or slow and writhing. The affected person finds it challenging to sit, swallow, walk, or speak due to restricted control over their motions. 
&nbsp;

<h5>4. Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy</h5>

Cerebral palsy with hypotonia results in underdeveloped muscular tone and excessively relaxed muscles. The arms and legs appear floppy and move quite freely, much like rag dolls.&nbsp;

Babies have difficulty breathing and have limited head control. There could be trouble sitting up straight as they grow because their muscles get weaker with time. They may also have to cope with:

<ul>
	<li>Trouble speaking</li>
	<li>Poor reactions</li>
	<li>Irregularities in walking</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<h5>Mixed Cerebral Palsy</h5>

Some people have a combination of the symptoms associated with various forms of cerebral palsy. It is referred to as mixed cerebral palsy.&nbsp;People with mixed cerebral palsy typically exhibit both spastic and dyskinetic cerebral palsy symptoms.

&nbsp;

Cerebral palsy is categorized according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>. The GMFCS was created by researchers at the &ldquo;CanChild&rdquo; Center for Childhood Disability Research as an international benchmark to assess the physical abilities of cerebral palsy patients. The system prioritizes the following responses:

<ul>
	<li>Ability to sit</li>
	<li>The potential for movements and mobility</li>
	<li>Ability to measure independence</li>
	<li>Ability to utilize adaptive technology 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The GMFCS is divided into 5 levels with lower levels being linked to increased mobility. 
&nbsp;

<h5>GMFCS Level I</h5>

Being able to walk unhindered denotes level 1 CP. 
&nbsp;

<h5>GMFCS Level II</h5>

Level 2 CP patients can walk long distances, but they cannot sprint or jump. They might require support devices like arm and leg supporting agents when they first attempt to walk. They might require a wheelchair especially outdoors. 
&nbsp;

<h5>GMFCS Level III</h5>

A patient with level 3 CP usually stands independently and sits with relatively minimal assistance. Portable aids like a walker or cane are required for indoor movement. When stepping outside, patients also need a wheelchair. 
&nbsp;

<h5>GMFCS Level IV</h5>

With assistive equipment, a patient with level 4 CP is capable of walking. They require some assistance sitting but can move around freely in a wheelchair. 
&nbsp;

<h5>GMFCS Level V</h5>

The head and neck must be supported for an individual with level 5 CP. They might be capable of using a motorized wheelchair, but they require assistance to sit as well as stand.

&nbsp;

The term &quot;late-onset CP&quot; is misleading; there is no such thing. This condition cannot be acquired as an adult. Plus, cerebral palsy is not progressive either, that is it doesn&#39;t get worse during a person&#39;s life. It&rsquo;s only that as a person with CP grows old, there could be other problems and obstacles to deal with.

When walking or even attempting to move, people with some types of CP, such as spastic cerebral palsy, feel stiffness or tightness in muscles. As a result of these heightened reflexes, they can manage only aberrant movements from the entire body or a specific side. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Can Adults Be Diagnosed With CP?</h5>

No, adults cannot be diagnosed with CP.

<ul>
	<li>Remember, a person cannot experience symptoms of CP for the first time as an adult.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>It could be an adult with CP that they have had since birth or childhood, but they cannot suddenly just develop the condition at a later stage in life.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>If a loved one is showing symptoms of issues with movement at a later stage in life, then in all probability it&#39;s not CP.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Signs And Symptoms

Cerebral palsy symptoms differ from person to person. For one person, it could be their entire body while another person would, to a large extent, be afflicted with CP in one or two limbs or one side.&nbsp;

Typically, indicators comprise issues with growth, speech and eating, mobility and coordination, etc. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Growth</h5>

<ul>
	<li>Delay in the development of motor skills, such as sitting up or crawling</li>
	<li>Learning challenges</li>
	<li>Intellectual impairment</li>
	<li>Slow growth&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h5>Speech And Eating</h5>

<ul>
	<li>Delay in the emergence of speech</li>
	<li>Speaking is a challenge</li>
	<li>Trouble chewing, sucking, or eating</li>
	<li>Drooling too much or issue with swallowing&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h5>Mobility And Coordination</h5>

<ul>
	<li>Muscular variations, i.e., they&#39;re either too stiff or too floppy</li>
	<li>Muscular stiffness (rigidity)</li>
	<li>Imbalance and poor motor coordination (ataxia)</li>
	<li>Uncontrollable jerking or tremors</li>
	<li>Writhing, slow movements</li>
	<li>Favoring one half of the body over the other, as evidenced by solely using one hand for a task or dragging a leg when crawling</li>
	<li>Walking difficulties, including an unsteady gait, a crouching posture, or a scissors-like motion with crossed knees</li>
	<li>Having trouble with fine motor abilities, such as grabbing objects or buttoning&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h5> 
Other Issues</h5>

<ul>
	<li>Brain damage may be a factor in the development of several neurological issues, including:</li>
	<li>Impaired hearing</li>
	<li>Eyesight issues and unusual eye motions</li>
	<li>Extraordinary pain or touch sensations</li>
	<li>Seizures (epilepsy)</li>
	<li>Issues with bladder and bowels, such as urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control) and <a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/constipation" target="_blank">constipation</a></li>
	<li>Mental health conditions, like behavioral issues and emotional disorders&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Because the underlying brain condition that causes cerebral palsy doesn&#39;t alter with age, the symptoms often don&#39;t become worse. Sometimes, though, one or more of these symptoms might become stronger or, at the other end of the continuum, less evident as the child ages. It&rsquo;s important to address any change promptly, especially if it&rsquo;s muscular shortening or rigidity, as it might worsen.

&nbsp;

Causes

&nbsp;

<h5>Congenital CP Causes</h5>

Congenital cerebral palsy is CP that appears before, during, or within 4 weeks of delivery. According to CDC, between 85% and 90% of instances of CP are congenital.&nbsp;The specific cause is unknown in many cases. But the following circumstances are often attributed to congenital CP: 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Asphyxia Neonatorum:&nbsp;During labor and delivery, asphyxia neonatorum or a shortage of oxygen to the brain could result in brain injuries and CP.</li>
	<li>Gene Mutations:&nbsp;Abnormal brain development might result from genetic mutations.</li>
	<li>Infections During Pregnancy:&nbsp;Brain damage and CP could emerge as a result of an illness that passes from the mother to the fetus. For instance, chickenpox, bacterial infections, and German measles (rubella) have been associated with CP.</li>
	<li>Bleeding In The Brain:&nbsp;Fetal stroke leads to brain damage and CP. Blood clots, cardiac abnormalities, and improperly formed blood arteries are all potential causes of fetal <a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/stroke" target="_blank">strokes</a>.</li>
	<li>Abnormal Brain Development:&nbsp;Infections, fevers, and trauma prompt abnormal brain growth and eventually CP.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<h5>Acquired CP Causes</h5>

When cerebral palsy appears more than 28 days after birth, it is referred to as acquired CP.&nbsp; The first 2 years of life are critical, this is the time when acquired CP typically manifests and could be observed. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Brain Injury: Permanent brain damage as a result of severe head injury. Car accidents, falls, and physical assault are a few common causes of brain trauma.</li>
	<li>Infections: Encephalitis, meningitis, and other illnesses cause irreversible brain damage.</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/jaundice-65" target="_blank">Jaundice</a>: Jaundice, when left untreated, causes kernicterus, a type of brain injury. Hearing loss, vision issues, and cerebral palsy all result from kernicterus. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Diagnosis

Every time a new parent visits a pediatrician, the doctor determines if their child is keeping up with their milestones or not. They observe the baby&#39;s movements. They also inquire if the parent(s) have any worries.

The doctor is able to track slow, gradual improvements. But the main reason why CP is diagnosed more in older children is because the developmental delays are more obvious in later years. So, let&rsquo;s just say that it&rsquo;s easier to determine with certainty that a 2.5-year-old has CP as compared to a 9-month-old or a newborn.

The majority of cerebral palsy cases in children are identified by the time they become 2 years old. In some cases, however, where the child&rsquo;s symptoms are mild or moderate, it&#39;s possible that they remain unidentified till they are 4 or 5. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Cerebral Palsy Tests</h5>

When a doctor suspects CP, they recommend the patient to consult a specialist like a neurologist or even a pediatrician who has specialized knowledge of child development and is able to guide further.

The doctors examine the child physically and take note of their activities. They take the child&#39;s medical history into consideration along with any worries parents or guardians have regarding the way their child moves.&nbsp;

They might also want to conduct tests, including:&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Blood Tests:&nbsp;Other medical conditions can produce symptoms that resemble CP. Blood tests enable doctors to rule out other problems.</li>
	<li>CT Scan:&nbsp;X-ray technology is used in a CT scan to create images of the brain. The scan detects fracture or bleeding or a condition that might have symptoms similar to CP.</li>
	<li>MRI:&nbsp;MRIs are for hi-res images minus the radiation. It&rsquo;s not always necessary, but quite useful when it&rsquo;s difficult to notice the damage.</li>
	<li>Ultrasound:&nbsp;It creates an image of the baby&#39;s brain using sound waves. Although it may not be as effective as an MRI in detecting small brain anomalies, it is a simpler, pain-free test for the baby. Only very young babies can undergo this procedure before they outgrow the machine.</li>
	<li>EEG (Electroencephalogram):&nbsp;Small electrodes are applied to the baby&#39;s head during this examination to record the brain waves. This examination occasionally aids in the diagnosis of epilepsy, a seizure illness that is common in kids with cerebral palsy.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

Doctors review the brain scans and the outcomes of the other tests. They also cover any milestone delays and the checks they&#39;ve done on the child over time besides including the parents&rsquo; assessment at home. The child starts receiving treatment as soon as they are given a CP diagnosis, beginning with physical therapy and strength training.

&nbsp;

Treatment

Cerebral Palsy treatment aims to lessen restrictions and avoid problems. Treatment options include surgery, medicine, and supportive devices. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Surgery</h5>

It is possible to increase mobility and relieve discomfort through orthopedic surgery. It could treat bone abnormalities brought on by spasticity or to loosen up tense muscles.

Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is reserved as a last option because it entails severing nerves close to the spinal column&#39;s base. Nevertheless, if the patient has persistent pain or stiffness, then the doctor can give the green signal for the procedure.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h5>Medications</h5>

Drugs that relax muscles are frequently prescribed to alleviate the effects of spasticity. Muscle relaxation medicine a doctor might recommend include:

<ul>
	<li>Tizanidine (Zanaflex)</li>
	<li>Baclofen</li>
	<li>Dantrolene (Dantrium)</li>
	<li>Diazepam (Valium)&nbsp; 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Furthermore, intrathecal baclofen therapy (Gablofen, Lioresal), which delivers the medication through an implanted pump or local injections of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) are also endorsed to ease pain caused by muscle spasms. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Supportive Devices</h5>

A person with cerebral palsy can lead an independent life using assistive devices, like:

<ul>
	<li>Eyewear</li>
	<li>Hearing devices</li>
	<li>Mobility aids</li>
	<li>Body supports</li>
	<li>Wheelchairs</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<h5>Other Treatments</h5>

Additional methods for cerebral palsy treatment include:

<ul>
	<li>Speech therapy</li>
	<li>Workplace therapy</li>
	<li>Physical therapy</li>
	<li>Social activities, counseling, or recreational treatment 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h5>A Promising Treatment</h5>

Research on stem cell therapy as a potential cerebral palsy cure is still in its early phases. According to a 2020 literature analysis, it might be most useful for assisting with the improvement of motor symptoms<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Several concerns stem from muscle weakness, spasticity, and coordination issues in both childhood and adulthood. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Contracture&nbsp;</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

The term &quot;contracture&quot; refers to the significant muscle tightening that is a result of spasticity. Contracture stops bones from growing, bends them, causes complete or partial dislocation, and triggers joint abnormalities. Scoliosis, hip dislocation, and other orthopedic malformations are examples of contracture. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Malnutrition</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Getting enough nutrition is challenging for someone with cerebral palsy, especially if it&rsquo;s an infant who has swallowing or feeding issues. Lack of nutrition causes stunt growth and erodes bone density. For some kids or adults, a feeding tube is necessary to acquire enough nutrition. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Mental Health Conditions&nbsp;</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

People with cerebral palsy tend to struggle with mental health issues like depression, which might be exacerbated by social isolation and the difficulties of managing routine tasks with a disability. These could also be the basis for the manifestation of behavioral issues. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Heart And Lung Disease</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

People with cerebral palsy are prone to heart, lung, and breathing problems. For example, aspiration pneumonia due to swallowing difficulties is yet another condition to deal with. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/osteoarthritis-64627" target="_blank">Osteoarthritis</a></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Early development of this severe degenerative bone disease is caused by pressure on joints or improper alignment of joints due to muscular stiffness. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5><a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/osteoporosis-80" target="_blank">Osteoporosis</a></h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Low bone density causes fractures for various reasons, including insufficient nutrition and anti-epileptic medication use. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Gastrointestinal</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

This includes:

➔ Oral motor dysfunction and feeding difficulty

➔ Poor nutritional status and growth

➔ Drooling

➔ <a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/constipation" target="_blank">Constipation</a>

➔ Bowel incontinence

➔ Gastroesophageal reflux 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Genitourinary</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

This includes bladder incontinence and recurrent urinary tract infection. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Skin</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

This includes&nbsp;decubitus ulcers. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Vision</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

This includes:

➔ Refractive errors (for example, myopia)

➔ Strabismus, amblyopia, <a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/cataract" target="_blank">cataract</a>

➔ Nystagmus, optic atrophy

➔ Cortical visual impairment 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Hearing</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

This includes hearing impairment.

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Dental</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

➔ Poor dental hygiene

➔ Malocclusion

➔ Caries 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Communication</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

➔ Speech and language impairment

➔ Dysarthria 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Pain From Multiple Sources</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

This includes:

➔ <a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/migraines-73" target="_blank">Migraine</a>, corneal abrasions, temporomandibular joint dysfunction

➔ Gastroesophageal reflux, <a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/constipation" target="_blank">constipation</a>

➔ Hip dislocation, muscle spasms

➔ Progressive scoliosis

&nbsp;

The risk of cerebral palsy is influenced by several variables: 
&nbsp;

<h5>1. Maternal Health&nbsp;</h5>

Some infections or hazardous exposures during pregnancy dramatically increase the baby&#39;s risk of cerebral palsy - an infection or fever-induced inflammation harms the developing brain of the unborn child. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Cytomegalovirus</li>
</ul>

If a mother contracts this common virus for the first time when she is pregnant, it might cause birth abnormalities. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>German Measles (Rubella)</li>
</ul>

It affects multiple systems, including neurological and cardiac. It also causes type 1 diabetes in childhood. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/genital-herpes">Herpes</a></li>
</ul>

This infection, which affects the womb and placenta, could transfer from mother to child while she is pregnant. It triggers an inflammation that damages the developing nervous system of the fetus. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Syphilis</li>
</ul>

This is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection. If it&rsquo;s left untreated in the mother, the infection manifests as neurosyphilis (an infection of the spine and/or brain). Symptoms include glaucoma and severe developmental impairments.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Toxoplasmosis&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

A parasite that can be found in contaminated food, soil, and cat excrement causes this ailment. It causes major complications for a fetus that&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s important to avoid it. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Zika Virus Infection&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

This virus, which is caused by mosquito bites, might affect a fetus&#39;s brain development. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Intrauterine Infections</li>
</ul>

This includes fetal or placental membrane infections. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Exposure To Toxins</li>
</ul>

Exposure to certain chemicals such as methylmercury is one of the reasons for CP in unborn babies. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Other Conditions</li>
</ul>

Thyroid issues, preeclampsia, or seizures are different disorders that increase the probability of being born with cerebral palsy.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<h5>2. Infant Illness</h5>

Increased incidence of cerebral palsy in a newborn baby depends on the following conditions: 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/bacterial-meningitis" target="_blank">Bacterial&nbsp; Meningitis&nbsp;</a></li>
</ul>

The membranes around the brain and spinal cord become inflamed because of this bacterial infection. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/encephalitis" target="_blank">Viral&nbsp; Encephalitis</a></li>
</ul>

Similar inflammation is brought on by this viral infection in the membranes encircling the brain and spinal cord. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Severe Or Untreated <a href="https://www.merisehat.pk/disease/jaundice-65" target="_blank">Jaundice&nbsp;</a></li>
</ul>

Yellow skin is a symptom of jaundice. When specific &quot;used&quot; blood cell byproducts aren&#39;t removed from the bloodstream, the disease develops. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Bleeding Into The Brain</li>
</ul>

A newborn has a stroke while still in the womb or during the first few months of life. 
&nbsp;

<h5>3. Factors Related To Pregnancy And Birth</h5>

The potential contribution of the following factors to CP is limited: 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Low Birth Weight</li>
</ul>

Cerebral palsy is more likely to occur in infants under 5.5 pounds (2.5 kilograms). The risk is greater with decreasing birth weight.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Multiple Babies</li>
</ul>

When more babies share the uterus, the chance of a baby with cerebral palsy increases. Moreover, the likelihood of preterm birth and low birth weight is associated with this risk. And, if one or more infants pass away, the chance of being born with CP hikes for the surviving one. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Premature Birth</li>
</ul>

Cerebral palsy risk is high for premature infants.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Delivery Complications&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The cerebral palsy risk might increase given the issues present at the time of labor and delivery.

&nbsp;

Although cerebral palsy cannot usually be prevented, its effect on an individual&rsquo;s life can be minimized.&nbsp;To stay healthy and reduce pregnancy issues, it&rsquo;s recommended to: 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Be sure to get the due shots. It is quite possible to avoid infection by receiving a vaccination against diseases like rubella, preferably before becoming pregnant.</li>
	<li>Ensure their own well-being. Before pregnancy, the less exposed the couple is to an infection that causes cerebral palsy, the better.</li>
	<li>Look for early and ongoing prenatal care. The health hazards to both the mother and the child decrease by scheduling routine checkups with a specialist throughout the pregnancy.</li>
	<li>Routine doctor visits help prevent infections, immature birth, and low birth weight.</li>
	<li>Avoid using illegal substances, alcohol, and tobacco. They have been connected to the risk of cerebral palsy. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Usually, a brain injury in a child becomes the basis of cerebral palsy. It&rsquo;s imperative, therefore, to maintain a high standard of safety. By offering the child a car seat, a protective helmet, and safeguarding rails on the sleeping bed, for instance, in addition to monitoring, the risk of head injuries could be minimized.

&nbsp;

Despite evidence that other procedures are more successful in treating cerebral palsy, Bobath therapy or neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT), is frequently used for individuals with CP. The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of NDT in children and newborns who have CP or are at high risk for developing CP. So far, it&rsquo;s been discovered that body anatomy and function modifications are more successful than NDT in enhancing motor function. Also, there is evidence that relatively high NDT is not more effective than lower-dose NDT. Thus, in CP, NDT must be de-implemented. 
&nbsp;

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>A person with CP has abnormal brain development or brain injury that impairs their capacity to control their muscles.</li>
	<li>Cerebral palsy has no known treatment. However, some of its consequences could be controlled, and, likewise, several complications could be avoided or postponed.</li>
	<li>Individuals receive a variety of treatments, each with a different focus. While a majority of cerebral palsy patients do not require much support, others require intensive, long-term attention for their symptoms.</li>
	<li>Motion disorders can include a combination of the following, based on which parts of the brain are impacted.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

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