Rachael Miller & Cassie Lerner Cerebral Palsy Rachael Miller & Cassie Lerner

Description Cerebral Palsy is a disorder that impairs the control of movement due to brain damage. The disorder itself is nonprogressive, but the symptoms can change over time for better or for worse. There are different types of cerebral palsy including spastic, athetoid, ataxic, rigidity, and tremor.

Background of Patient Little Sheila Heaton has been worrisome to her parents. Little Sheila has failed to do simple small baby tasks like rolling over. She’s 18 months old and has attempted to eat solid foods, but has neglected to actually chew or swallow them. What really has sent her parents over the edge was her constant spasms and jerky movements that is usually followed by some drooling.

Symptoms Symptoms often develop in infants as early as 18 months. The main symptoms are lack of developing muscle tone and not being able to roll over or smile when they have become of age. Common symptoms are floppiness, drooling, spasms, speech impairments, and lack of bladder control. A more severe case is usually a learning disability, and vision and hearing impairments.

Regions of Brain Affected Cerebral Palsy affects the cerebrum, specifically the cerebral motor cortex, which controls voluntary movements.

Diagnosis-Tests Diagnosing a child with cerebral palsy can be determined right after birth, around two years old, or even up to the age of three to five depending on the milestones hit by the child. At birth it’s generally determined by lack of muscle tone. Parents recognize when their kid doesn’t hit a milestone. Milder symptoms make take time to develop into or not into something, so doctors wait until they’re older to make a diagnosis.

Treatments Possible treatments for different symptoms can be physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech language therapy, educational therapy, medication, or even surgery to attempt to cure cerebral palsy.

Prognosis People with cerebral palsy are expected to live a normal lifestyle. However, if certain symptoms are more prominent, it can have a long term effect on their health and how they do everyday activities.

Error in Communication Cerebral Palsy is caused by damage to the upper motor neurons. There is a disruption of the energy producing mitochondria in the cell.

Biomedical Professionals Physical Therapist They evaluate their patients’ movement and make a plan to help them using therapeutic training and exercise. A doctorate level education is required. This person will help Sheila with her physical development. Residential Supervisor/House Manager They work in cases that need assisted living environments. A bachelor’s degree is required for this job. This person will help Sheila and her parents with everyday activities that need to be completed. Biomedical engineer They design equipment used to help patients live an easier life. Depending on the job level, education levels range from bachelor’s degrees to PhDs. If Sheila’s symptoms get worse throughout life, this person can design equipment that will make her life more comfortable while living with her disorder.

Documentation "Cerebral Palsy." Definition. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. "Cerebral Palsy Types and Causes." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2014. "Common Parts of the Brain Affected by Cerebral Palsy."LIVESTRONG.COM. LIVESTRONG.COM, 06 Sept. 2010. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. "Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy | Tests | CerebralPalsy.org."CerebralPalsyorg Diagnosis of and Tests for Cerebral Palsy Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2014. "Passion: Careers Working With Cerebral Palsy Patients." Jobs Working With Cerebral Palsy Patients. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2014.