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Cerebral palsy (CP) describes a range of physical disabilities that effect movement and posture. It is a permanent life-long condition, however a child with this condition can learn to achieve greater motor control with practise. Approximately 1 in 500 Australian babies are diagnosed with CP, and there is no known cure.

 

How is it caused?

 

CP arises from damage to the developing brain, which can happen during pregnancy, during birth, or shortly after birth. It is not contagious and is not hereditary, although genetic factors may contribute to the chain of events leading to CP. There is no single cause of CP, and the cause of CP for many babies is not well understood. The damage can be due to diminished blood supply to the developing brain, starving it of oxygen; by illness; accidental injury; or stroke after birth.

 

Risk factors which may increase the chance of a child being born with CP include:

• Premature birth (less than 37 weeks)

• Low birth weight

• Placental complications

• Blood type incompatibility between mother and baby

• Viral infections of the mother during pregnancy

 

There is presently no way to totally prevent CP, however some pregnant mothers at risk of very preterm birth are prescribed magnesium sulphate to help protect babies from brain injury.

 

CP can be categorised into 4 main types:

• Spastic CP – the most common type, ‘spasticity’ refers to the stiffness and tightness of the muscles, which becomes most obvious when a person with CP tries to move.

• Dyskinetic CP – ‘dyskinetic’ refers to involuntary or uncontrolled movements

• Ataxic CP – the least common type, ‘ataxic’ refers to a lack of balance and coordination, evident as unsteady or shaky movements.

• Mixed type CP – a combination of the types above.

 

What are the symptoms?

 

CP effects different people in different ways, ranging from minor motor impairment of a single hand, to full-time dependency on care.

 

CP may lead to:

• Inability to walk

• Inability to talk, and difficulty controlling the muscles around the mouth, noticeable as dribbling or drooling.

• Vision impairment with severe CP

• Chronic pain

• Epilepsy

• Intellectual impairments

• Sleep disorders

• Erratic body movement such as tremors or shakes, and reduced muscle control/coordination

• Increased or decreased muscle tone/tension

• Difficulties with tasks requiring dexterity, like tying shoelaces or writing

• Altered Posture & Balance

• Difficulties with breathing, eating, digestion, and bowel and bladder control

 

CP can also cause visual, learning, hearing, speech, and intellectual impairments. CP may also effect a person’s mobility and ability to talk. Where speech is effected, people with CP will understand what is said but may find it difficult to respond. Many people with CP are unable to walk or require assistance.

 

In early childhood, signs which may indicate CP are:

• Early feeding difficulties

• Loss of muscle tone, with the baby feeling “floppy”

• Delayed development

• Poor muscle control (unable to sit or roll independently by 6 months)

• Muscle spasms, or feeling “stiff”

• Lack of coordination

• Feeding or swallowing difficulties

• Difficulty with movement over one half of the body

 

Physical deformities can develop with age, although the damage to the brain will not increase.

 

What to do?

 

Diagnosis of CP can be complicated, and it is not until a baby does not meet the usual infant milestones that CP is considered. Diagnosis involves careful observation of the child’s movements, postures and possibly medical imaging (MRI or CT), and may require repeated tests to rule out other progressive conditions.

 

If you notice a pattern of signs that may indicate CP, consult:

• Your doctor

• Your local community health centre

 

What is the treatment?

 

There is no cure for CP, however there are many treatments that can help reduce the impact of CP on the body and a person’s quality of life.

 

People with CP may be supported by a team of health professionals and support service workers who collaborate to help the child and family achieve their goals.

 

Treatments may include:

• Medications to assist with movement issues, pain and seizures

• Botulinum toxin type A, also known as “botox” injections, to help with muscle spasms

• Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy to encourage and improve a person’s mobility and daily activity and function capacities

• Wheelchairs, crutches, walking sticks & frames, supportive seating, splinting & orthotics, and special footwear may help with mobility difficulties.

• Speech Pathologists can help with communication issues, and can include using communication boards, signing, or electronic speech-generating devices.

• Psychologists and Occupational therapists can assess and assist with a child’s development and participation in learning activities.

• Psychologists can assist with sleep disturbances, chronic pain, and behavioural or emotional issues, offering support and counselling.

• Optometrists, Ophthalmologists and Audiologists can help with vision and hearing impairments, and may provide glasses, contact lens, or hearing aids.

 

Useful Links

 

• Cerebral Palsy Alliance – with links to local services (Orange, Dubbo, Wagga)

• Cerebral Palsy Australia

• Better Start for Children with Disability Tel. 1800 242 636

• Carers NSW

• Western Community Support Program Service Providers

 

 

 

 

 

 

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. Content has been prepared for Forbes and Parkes, NSW, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that, over time, currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.