Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

The nervous system comprises the brain, spinal cord and numerous intertwining nerve fibers that connect delicate tissue. Cerebral palsy is a nervous-system dysfunction, that results from damage of nerve tissue, in and around the brain and non-progressive disturbances within the developing brain. The term is derived from 'cerebral' - a reference to brain segments such as the cerebrum, cortex and cerebellum, and 'palsy' - a medical term that relates to movement disorder. It is caused by any damage to the brain's motor control centers. Such damage can occur during pregnancy, childbirth or even later on, up to the age of three. The onslaught affects the development of body posture and movement and limits activity. CP manifests in the form of distraught sensation, cognition and perception to internal and external stimuli, development of epilepsy, musculoskeletal diseases, and communication and behavior issues. The condition was first identified in 1860 by Dr. William Little.

Types

The most common type of cerebral palsy is Spastic CP. The condition manifests due to a damage to the corticospinal tract. This inhibits the ability of the nervous system to receive vital gamma amino butyric acid in the affected region, thus resulting in distorted body movements. Spastic hemiplegia affects one side of the body. Injury to the muscle-nerves controlled by the brain's right side causes deficit on the left side and vice versa. Spastic diplegia affects the lower extremities. The condition manifests in the form of a scissors gait, flexed knees and hips and strabismus or cross-eyes. Spastic quadriplegia, on the other hand, affects all four limbs equally. The condition is characterized by hemiparetic tremors.

Treatment

Cerebral palsy approximately affects 2 in every 1000 live births. Research reveals that the incidence rate is higher in males, at a ratio of 1.33. The incidence increases with very low-weight and/or premature babies, regardless of the quality of prenatal and postnatal care. Comorbidities observed in children suffering the onslaught of the condition include mental disadvantage, blindness and active seizures. The diagnosis of cerebral palsy involves CT and Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The condition cannot be cured, but medical intervention for prevention of further complications is in place. Treatment options include:

• Drugs, such as benzodiazepienes, intrathecal phenol/baclofen and baclofen, to control seizures, muscle spasms and alleviate pain.
• Surgery to rectify anatomical abnormalities and/or relax taut muscles.
• Botox, to address contracting muscles.
• Speech therapy, to control mouth and jaw muscles and improve communication.
• Administration of hyperbaric oxygen, to improve oxygen availability to damaged brain cells.
• Physical therapy, to improve gait and volitional movement.
• Occupational therapy, to adapt to limitations and live independently.
• Medical intervention via communication aids such as computers fitted with voice synthesizers.
• Standing frames, to help reduce spasticity.
• Early Nutritional Support.
• Conductive education, to improve self-esteem and stamina.
• Neuro-cognitive therapy and Patterning.

Cerebral palsy is characterized by abnormal muscle tone and poor motor reflexes. Hence, the treatment options for this condition focus on improving motor development and coordination. They are all designed to address and correct varying extent bone deformities and contractures. The most important of all treatment options is, medical and social intervention, to educate the family on the causes of onslaught and the fatalities in the continuum of motor dysfunction.