Sei sulla pagina 1di 13

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy refers to any one of a number of neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement and muscle coordination but doesnt worsen over time

History of the Disease


When was it first identified?
Mid 1800s

Who identified cerebral palsy?


Dr. William John Little pioneered the study, using his own childhood disability as an inspiration

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy


Affects on the individual
Tightened muscles/muscles that dont stretch Abnormal walk Joint contracture Paralysis Abnormal movements twisting, jerking, writhing

Loss of coordination

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy (continued)

Decreased intelligence/learning disabilities


Speech problems Hearing/vision problems Seizures Pain Irregular breathing Slower than normal growth

How Cerebral Palsy affects families


Families tend to spend a significant amount of time and energy on the child with cerebral palsy
This may lead to problems in other relationships

Cause of the Disease


Caused by an abnormality or disruption in brain development, usually before a child is born
In many cases, the exact trigger of the abnormality is unknown

Cause of the disease


Factors that may lead to problems with brain development
Random mutations

Maternal infections
Fetal stroke Lack of oxygen Infant infections Traumatic head injury

Treatments
Medications
Can lessen the tightness of muscles

Therapies
Speech, physical, occupational therapy

Surgical or other procedures


Orthopedic surgery Severing nerves
To lessen muscle tightness or correct bone abnormalities

Diagnosing Cerebral Palsy


Developmental monitoring

Developmental screening
Developmental and medical evaluations

Passing on Cerebral Palsy


Cerebral palsy is not a disease that is inherited
People with cerebral palsy cannot pass it on to their offspring

Works Cited
A.D.A.M. "Cerebral Palsy." Cerebral Palsy. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 16 Sept. 2009. Web. 25 Feb. 2013. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/ PMH0001734/>. Mayo Clinic. "Cerebral Palsy." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 13 Nov. 2010. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/ health/cerebral-palsy/DS00302/DSECTION%3Dcauses>. "NINDS Cerebral Palsy Information Page." Cerebral Palsy Information Page: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. <http:// www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_palsy/cerebral_palsy.htm>. "Origin and History of Cerebral Palsy." My Child. My Child, n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. <http://cerebralpalsy.org/about-cerebral-palsy/history-and-origin-of-cerebralpalsy/>.

Potrebbero piacerti anche