Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive upper motor neuron disease caused by damage to the immature brain, i.e. oxygen deprivation. Another name; Static Encephalopathy.
How does cerebral palsy occur?
Childhood injuries are the most common cause of cerebral palsy. It is caused by damage to the upper motor neurons as a result of oxygen deprivation of the brain. It can occur for many reasons that deprive the brain of oxygen. The most common cause of cerebral palsy is prematurity. Other causes include prenatal intrauterine factors, perinatal infections (TORCH), meningitis, malformations and previous brain trauma. Cerebral palsy is classified physiologically and anatomically. Physiologic classification includes 5 types: spastic (the most common type), athetoid, ataxic, mixed and hypotonic. Anatomical classification; There are 3 types: quadriplegic, diplegic and hemiplegic.
What are the Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy can be in the form of loss of tonus, spasticity or hypotonia. Loss of balance, difficulty in maintaining balance. Stiffness in the joints we call contractures, upper limb deformities, dislocations in the hips over time, spinal and foot deformities, walking disorders and fractures seen in the progressive period are the main symptoms.
How to recognize cerebral palsy? Can it be prevented?
It takes time to diagnose cerebral palsy. In severe cases, it may be possible to make the diagnosis immediately after birth, while in mild forms, it takes up to 2 years to make the diagnosis. For example, it takes an average of 18 months to diagnose spastic diplegic type cerebral palsy. There is no specific test or method used to make the diagnosis. Families should consult a doctor when they notice a delay or deficiency in their child's age-appropriate developmental stages. The diagnosis of cerebral palsy is extremely important for the subsequent observation and treatment of the child.
Can it be treated? What kind of treatment options are available?
Cerebral palsy itself cannot be treated, that is, the damage to the immature brain cannot be reversed, but the symptoms seen in the child can be treated according to the type of the disease. Treatments are divided into 2 groups as surgical and non-surgical treatments. Non-surgical treatments include physical therapy, use of braces and orthoses and medical treatments for spasticity. Surgical treatments in cerebral palsy are performed after 4-5 years of age. Until then, intramuscular Botox injections and intra-tecal Baclofen are used to reduce joint spasticity. The only exception to this is hip dislocation. If hip dislocation is present, the hip should be replaced with surgical treatment without waiting for 4-5 years of age. As surgical treatment, soft tissue loosening, tendon lengthening and tendon transfers are performed after 4-5 years of age in children with voluntary muscle contractions and spasticity. Bone surgeries and deformity-correcting surgeries are performed for bone and joint deformities seen in later childhood.
Is Consanguineous Marriage a Factor?
Consanguineous marriage is not among the primary risk factors for cerebral palsy; however, it is known that consanguineous marriage increases the incidence of many prenatal, metabolic and genetic diseases that cause cerebral palsy.
What is the incidence?
The incidence of cerebral palsy is 2-3 per 1000 live births.
Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration Center:
Our Occupational Therapy and Sensory Integration Center contributes to the success of children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy in activities that are meaningful to them. For detailed information about our Sensory Integration Center, please visit our page: /ergotherapy-and-sensory-integration