What is Cerebral Palsy ?

This is a chronic motor disability which is non progressive, nonfatal and yet noncurable. It results from damage to the growing brain before or during birth or in postnatal period. 

Types of cerebral palsy

1. Spastic CP Most frequently found and characterized by muscular rigidity. As the child grows in age, spasticity and rigidity becomes more pronounced with development of contractures and abnormal postures. According to the parts affected, this can be

  • Quadriplegia
  • Paraplegia
  • Hemiplegia
  • Monoplegia

2. Extra Pyramidal CP Characterized by abnormal writhing movement of limbs.

3. Atonic CP Characterized by loose muscles and abnormal balancing and muscular coordination (atonia and atoxia).

4. Mixed CP Disease may be mild with no practical limitation of activity or it may be severe causing inability to carry on any useful physical activity.

Other Associated Problem

Mental retardation, seizures, varied feeding difficulties, bad teeth, drooling, incontinence, constipation, behavior problem.

What to do ?

  • Regular physiotherapy
  • Surgical correction of deformities
  • Use of external aids
  • Drug therapy for seizures
  • Proper training and teaching according to mental status