Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Though spastic children are universally identified as children with CP, there are actually 4 types of
CP
1)Spastic CP - It is the most common type in which the muscles are stiff & weak (due to
uncontrolled contraction of the muscles) . The stiffness may occur in both legs (diplegia), in the
leg & arm on the same side (hemiplegia), or in all four limbs (quadriplegia). These children
usually show toe walking & typical crossed (scissoring) gait.
2)Dyskinetic CP(Athetotic CP) - Patients with this type of CP have bizarre twisting motions or
unusual posturing.
4)Hypotonic CP - These children usually present with low muscle tone & increased floppiness.
These children eventually develop spasticity or athetosis.
Q. Is CP progressive?
A: Though CP is due to damage to the developing brain, it is non-progressive. However, the
symptoms due to brain damage often change with time, sometimes getting better & something
worse.
Q: My child has cerebral palsy. But he also has epilepsy. Why is it so?
A: Many children with cerebral palsy may have accompanying seizure disorders & some level of
mental handicap. They may also have vision, speech, hearing & language problems.
Patients with severe muscle contractures may require surgery to lengthen the muscle or some
spinal surgery to reduce spasticity in the legs. Medication may also be given to decrease the
muscle spasticity. Now, botulinum toxin injections are available which when used with physical
therapy, help in lengthening a muscle. Baclofen pumps are also available to control spastically for
a longer period of time.
Physical therapy, which consists of special exercises may increase the movement & strength of
the muscles. Occupational therapy may be required to develop skills to carry out day to day
activities at home.
A variety of mechanical aids like braces, speech synthesizer may be required. For children with
speech problems, speech therapy is required. In addition, medications may be required to control
the seizures. Some children with learning disabilities & mental retardation may require special
learning programs.