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Information on Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP), a common type of birth injury, refers to a group of disorders caused by damage to the area in the brain that controls sensation, voluntary motor function, and posture. The brain damage at the root of cerebral palsy occurs early in a child's development, either in the fetal stages, in the birthing process, or in the first few months following delivery.

An estimated 500,000 people in America have cerebral palsy. In spite of medical advances in preventing and treating cerebral palsy, this number has remained fairly static over the past 30 years, most likely due to greater survival rates for high—risk infants.

Cerebral palsy is not contagious, nor is it passed from generation to generation. Although there is no cure, continuing advances in prevention and treatment have improved the quality of life for people with CP.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

It is not always possible to determine the exact cause of cerebral palsy, but the following are among the factors known to increase the risk:

• Maternal illness during pregnancy due to toxemia and infections such as rubella (German measles), toxoplasmosis, and cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• Poor maternal health habits, such as smoking or using drugs or alcohol
• Abnormal brain development before birth, resulting from genetic or metabolic disorders
• Impaired circulation to the brain before birth, similar to stroke in adults
• Premature birth and low birth weight
• Complicated labor and delivery
• Severe jaundice in newborns
• Brain damage after birth as a result of infection, accident, or injury

While these problems increase the risk for cerebral palsy, no one factor or combination of factors causes cerebral palsy. For example, less than nine percent of babies who weigh less than three pounds at birth will develop CP.

Cerebral Palsy Symptoms

Cerebral palsy is classified into three main types, according to the way movement is impacted. Each type of cerebral palsy has its own set of symptoms.

• Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type, accounting for 70 to 80 percent of all CP cases. The spastic type causes muscles to stiffen, making movement difficult.
• Athetoid, or dyskinetic, cerebral palsy , which occurs in 10 to 20 percent of people with CP, affects the entire body and often causes uncontrolled, slow movements.
• Ataxic cerebral palsy is the least common of the major types of cerebral palsy. It affects balance and coordination, making quick and precise movements difficult.

People with CP frequently show symptoms of two or more types; such cases are often referred to as mixed—type cerebral palsy. In general, symptoms of cerebral palsy are usually seen by 3 years of age and typically include the following:

• Lack of muscle coordination
• Stiff muscles
• Exaggerated reflexes
• Uneven gait
• Drooling
• Tremors
• Difficulty in swallowing or speaking
• Slow development in infants

Symptoms of cerebral palsy may be mild or severe, but they do not progress over time. If symptoms worsen, the patient should be re—evaluated, as other problems may be present.

Cerebral Palsy Treatments

Although cerebral palsy is not a curable condition, proper management of symptoms can improve the quality of life for CP patients. A variety of treatments are available to help a child reach his or her full potential:

• Physical therapy — This treatment uses muscle training and exercise to improve muscle strength, balance, and mobility.
• Occupational therapy — This treatment teaches the activities of daily living to a child with cerebral palsy.
• Speech therapy — This cerebral palsy treatment helps the child speak better and eat with less difficulty.
• Vision and hearing aids — These treatments help correct an inability of the eyes to focus properly and to correct hearing problems.
• Medications — These ease muscle spasms and reduce seizure activity for a child with cerebral palsy.
• Assistive technology — This type of cerebral palsy treatment helps a child with cerebral palsy communicate and perform activities of daily living
• Surgery may be indicated in cases of cerebral palsy with severe spasticity that have not responded to other treatments.

What to Do if Your Child Has Cerebral Palsy

When a child is diagnosed with a disability, it forces the whole family to face a range of new challenges. Here are a few tips for caring for yourself and your child:

• Encourage your child's independence. Avoid the temptation to do things for the child just because you can do them faster or easier.
• Be an advocate. You are an essential part of your child's health care. Speak out on your child's behalf, and ask questions when you do not understand the course of your child's treatment.
• Ask for help. Parents of children with CP often have feelings of fear, grief and guilt over their child's condition. Your doctor can recommend sources of support for both you and your child. Don't be afraid to ask for help from family or friends if you feel overwhelmed.

Contact Us

If you think your child is suffering from a birth injury as a result of medical negligence, contact us.

The law limits the amount of time after a patient incurs an injury to file suit. The amount of time varies based on the theory of liability and the state in which the patient files the suit.