What is Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral – Brain Palsy – weakness, paralysis or lack of muscle control. Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a permanent physical condition that affects movement. Its effect can be as mild as just a weakness in one hand ranging to almost complete lack of movement.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy Cerebral Palsy can occur before, during or after birth (up to 5years of age) while the brain is developing. It can be caused by: –Trauma (accidents, near drowning) –Infection (German Measles while pregnant or encephalitis when young) –Problems with pregnancy (lack of oxygen, premature, low birth weight) However in 40% of cases the cause is unknown.

Types of Cerebral Palsy Cerebral Palsy is classified by three things: 1.The type of movement or muscle tone 2.The body part or parts effected 3.The degree of severity

Types of Movement or Muscle Tone Spastic Cerebral Palsy: This is the most common about 80% of people have this type. The muscles are tight and movement is stiff and awkward Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: Least common, about 10%. Athetosis: The person has uncontrolled, writhing, floppy movements; and Dystonia: The person has intermittent, alternating muscle contractions resulting in twisting or repetative movements. Ataxia: Movements are shaky (tremor) and there are problems with balance and coordination Mixed: A combination of 2 or more of the above

The body part affected Hemiplegia: Difficulty moving and using one side of the body. The arm is often more affected than the leg. The affected side can be smaller due to tight muscles and a lack of growth. Neglect of affected side, resulting in lack of use. Problems reaching and grasping with affected hand. Lack of feeling on the affected side of the body. The person usually has a bent arm (flexed) and the hand is fisted. The leg is stiffened and they walk on tiptoes.

The body part affected Diplegia: Difficulty moving the lower part of the body due to stiffness of the legs Difficulty straightening fully at the hips Difficulty with balance when standing or walking The person often has a tilted head and shoulders back in an attempt to achieve an upright position, creating an exaggerated curve in the lower back. When walking they move the trunk excessively to compensate for stiffness of the legs.

The body part affected Quadriplegia: All four limbs affected Trunk, neck and head often affected The person often has problems controlling the mouth and tongue muscles. Individuals generally are unable to walk and either are unable, or have extreme difficulty in fine motor tasks. Can develop scoliosis (curvature of the spine), hip dislocation, bladder and bowel problems.

The severity Cerebral Palsy can be classified by how severe it’s effects on movement and muscle tone are Severe Moderate Mild All three areas (movement, body part and severity) are then joined together to classify or describe the type of Cerebral Palsy eg: Severe spastic hemiplegia.

Effects of Cerebral Palsy Cerebral Palsy can effect: Mobility and balance Posture and growth Communication & language Fine motor control and coordination Eating, drinking and swallowing Personal care – dressing, bathing, toileting Perceptual difficulties Concentration and attention

Other associated conditions Intellectual disability = 50% Epilepsy = 33% Sensory – Sight = 40% - Hearing = 10%

Facts about CP The rate of Cerebral Palsy is about 2.5 children per 1,000 live births each year in W.A. Worldwide there are about 15 million people with CP In Australia approx 20,000 people have CP with about 2,000 living in WA

Misconceptions about CP “Cerebral Palsy is contagious” It is not a sickness or disease. “Cerebral Palsy is progressive”. The damage to the brain does not get worse, but the effect on the body can result in progressive deformities. “Cerebral Palsy can be cured”. Although the damage to the brain cannot be cured, therapy and medical intervention can assist clients to maximise potential and enhance quality of life.