Cerebral palsy meaning, Causes, Treatment

 Cerebral Palsy
This is a disorder of movement and posture caused by a non- progressive lesion in the immature brain. 
Lesions In Cerebral palsy the lesion could be either in the brain or the upper cervical cord. 
Causes:
In Cerebral palsy the causes are different in prenatal, natal, postnatal and perinatal period
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for CP. Hence the aim of treatment is to increase patients assets as much as possible and minimize his or her defects. 
Overall the treatment may include one or more of the following: Physical therapy; Occupational therapy; speech therapy; drugs to control seizures, alleviate pain, or relax muscle spasms ; hyperbaric oxygen; the use of Botox to relax contracting muscles; surgery to correct anatomical abnormality or release tight muscles; braces and other orthotic devices; rolling walkers; and communication aids such as computers with attached voice synthesizes. 
Order of preference to improve the quality of life in Cerebral palsy is as follows: 
  • Education and communication is the first priority. 
  • Activities of daily life. 
  • Mobility
  • Ambulation. 
Physiotherapy measures in Cerebral palsy

This consists of passive stretching of the spastic joints, thermotherapy to reduce pain and exercises to mobilise and strength the joints, The programs are designed to encourage the patient to build a strength base for improved gait and volitional movement, together with stretching programs to limit contractures. It is believed that life- long physical therapy is essential to maintain muscle tone, bone structure, and prevent dislocation of the joints. 

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