Diet Help with Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects a person's ability to move his body and control the use of his muscles. According to the Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy, people with cerebral palsy often have muscle tightness and difficulty with fine motor skills like using utensils to eat. It is important that people with cerebral palsy get adequate nutrition because malnourishment is common due to difficulty eating.

Avoid foods with complicated textures. Foods like peanut brittle, which is very chewy or peanut butter, which is thick and sticky in the mouth, may be too difficult for a person with cerebral palsy to chew and swallow. Choose soft foods as often as possible so that it will be easier for the patient to eat and get the nutrients he needs. If he has trouble using regular utensils, use utensils specially designed for people with cerebral palsy that may be available from your physical therapist or a local medical supply store.

Eat foods rich in fiber to prevent constipation and other gastrointestinal problems associated with cerebral palsy. The website CerebralPalsySource.com states that people with cerebral palsy frequently have stomach problems such as constipation. Whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat bread, along with fruits and vegetables, can help prevent and decrease constipation.

Supplement with nutritional drinks if it is difficult to get enough calories in or if you are underweight. CerebralPalsySource.com explains that in addition to gastrointestinal problems, people with cerebral palsy sometimes vomit because it is too hard for them to get foods down their esophagus. If you vomit or aren't able to eat enough because coordinating the muscles around your mouth is difficult, drinking your nutrition may be necessary.


Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. The organization 4 My Child, which focuses on improving the conditions of children with cerebral palsy, states that vitamins and nutrients that are found in fruits are essential for proper growth and health of the brain. They state that 35 percent of all children who have cerebral palsy are malnourished. The vitamins in fruits and vegetables can help you feel more energized so that you have the strength to continue eating and working your muscles.

What are the Causes of Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect balance, body movement, and posture. Cerebralpalsy varies widely and can include mild to severe conditions. Specific causes of cerebral palsyvary widely, though the root cause is due to some type of neurological damage or abnormal braindevelopment.

Occurring in every two to three per 1,000 live births, cerebral palsy is considered congenital in many cases. It can be a birth defect present even before a baby is born; most cases are considered to exist before birth. This occurs when one or several parts of the infant's brain that command motor activity and muscle tone do not properly develop.

Causes of cerebral palsy present before birth are often due to activities that took place during pregnancy, such as maternal injury or alcohol or drug use. Other maternal risk factors can include high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, mental retardation, placenta previa, poor nutrition during pregnancy, seizures, and maternal diabetes. Genetic factors can also cause the disease. In up to half of diagnosed cases, causes are cited as unknown.

In addition to prematurity, other risk factors for cerebral palsy may be present during delivery. A breech, transverse, or face birth can increase cerebral palsy risk. Medical mistakes are often cited as causes of cerebral palsy. The delivery method itself can cause damage, especially if a medical instrument is required to help the baby exit the womb.

The causes of cerebral palsy during early childhood may not have taken place during fetal development, but rather in the early months or years of life. Such cases are known as acquiredcerebral palsy. Acquired cerebral palsy may develop from brain damage caused by a neonatal infection, such as viral encephalitis, jaundice, or bacterial meningitis.

Fetal distress symptoms, such as a severely reduced heart rate or a low oxygen intake, can be causes of cerebral palsy. Head injuries developed through child abuse, a motor vehicle accident, or a simple fall can cause the condition. These injuries, however, account for less than ten percent of diagnosed cases.

Though often apparent following birth, these effects may not be present until early childhood. The effects can be seen if a child experiences developmental delays. Some delays may include not being able to sit, crawl, or walk at an age-appropriate level. People with cerebral palsy may also have difficulty swallowing, speaking, and coordinating overall body movement.

To diagnose cerebral palsy, a physician takes many different factors into account. The medical history of both the child and his or her parents are both examined, as well as overall risk factors in their lives. The onset of the disorder is also key in making an accurate diagnosis. Learning disabilities, dental problems, mental retardation, poor bladder and bowel control, breathing issues, eating problems, seizures, and many other conditions may also be linked to cerebralpalsy.

How do I Make Living with Cerebral Palsy Easier?

Living with cerebral palsy presents a number of specific challenges that recur on a daily basis. Once you have decided to make living with cerebral palsy easier, the first step is to think about what your particular challenges are, as not all cerebral palsy symptoms are alike. You can start researching your type of cerebral palsy in order to see what others with cerebral palsy do. Sharing your situation with others who have cerebral palsy is an important way to feel less alone. It can help you meet acquaintances who can give you support and encouragement each day.
When you connect with others living with cerebral palsy, you can expect to hear about different treatments that help. Since there are different forms of cerebral palsy, some individuals may mention symptoms that you do not have. Pay the closest attention to the treatments mentioned by people who share your type of cerebral palsy, as they will be the most applicable to your situation. Since cerebral palsy is a motor condition and affects muscle movement, expect to hear physical and occupational therapy mentioned a lot, as well as speech therapy. Listen closely to people's experiences with their therapists so you can educate yourself before committing to your own course of treatment.
Living with cerebral palsy can also be made easier with various medications. When medications are mentioned, be sure to take note of the side effects people are experiencing. That way, you can discuss any concerns that arise with your health care provider.

The challenges presented by living with cerebral palsy are significant, but because it is non-progressive, your condition will not worsen in the way that other conditions, such as progressive multiple sclerosis, can. This is an advantage, because over your lifetime, you can focus your search on medications and therapies without having to contend with new complications year after year. The key is to pay attention to what works for people in situations that closely mirror your own, because that will enable you to take a logical, results-oriented approach, rather than conduct blind experimentation. Do be sure to create a dialogue with your health care provider about your condition, and do not be shy about sharing what you have learned from others withcerebral palsy.

What is Mild Cerebral Palsy?

Mild cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that is caused by minor damage to the brain. The damage usually is a result of an injury to the brain, illness or lack of oxygen at a very early age or even during fetal development. The term "cerebral palsy" means a disorder of movement related to the cerebrum, or brain. The mild form of the disorder is much less pronounced than other forms of cerebral palsy, and it results in clumsiness and poor motor skills. It is not a progressive disease, nor is it contagious.

The cause of mild cerebral palsy might be fetal infection or a trauma during delivery in which oxygen to the brain might have been interrupted briefly. Severe infection during the first year of life or severe jaundice also could be the cause in some cases. There are some cases, however, in which the cause cannot be determined.
The diagnosis of mild cerebral palsy usually is not made until the child with the disorder begins to walk and sometimes not for several years after that. A toddler or school-age child's excessive clumsiness, poor coordination and odd or unnatural movements usually are what first alerts parents that something is wrong. Mild cerebral palsy also can cause speech and cognitionimpairments.
A definitive diagnosis usually is made following a series of tests on the brain, such as computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging tests (MRIs) and ultrasounds. Lab tests usually will be conducted to make sure that some other condition isn't presenting as mildcerebral palsy. After the diagnosis is made, the doctor will work with the child's parents to develop a treatment plan.
One of the common symptoms of the disorder is "toe walking." The child frequently will tip-toe and need to be reminded to walk with his or her feet flat on the floor. Toe-walking can be prominent, so sufferers of the disorder often develop problems with their ankle joints. Some children will complain about pain in the legs after short periods of activity.
It also is common to see a person with mild cerebral palsy unknowingly clenching his or her fist. Holding the arms straight into the air or excessive bending of the arms also can occur. Physical and occupational therapy early on can help to reduce these symptoms.

Each person with mild cerebral palsy is different. Symptoms might be more or less severe — or practically unnoticeable. Mild cerebral palsy is not debilitating, but school-age children sometimes suffer from embarrassment or low-self esteem because they are less coordinated than their peers. Patience and a positive, loving environment will help the child and family cope with the disorder.
Relation Article

What is Mild Cerebral Palsy?
What is Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy?

What is Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy?

When to See A Doctor For Cerebral Palsy

If your child with cerebral palsy (CP):
Is having problems breathing.
Chokes during feeding and you are not able to dislodge the food.
Call a doctor right away if:
Your child has a seizure for the first time.
If you have a child diagnosed with CP, call your doctor if your child has:
A seizure (if it is the first time, call your doctor or seek care right away).
Constipation that isn't relieved by home treatment.
Skin irritation that isn't getting better, starts to bleed or weep fluid, or causes pain.
Feeding problems that aren't relieved by home treatment, such as:
A pattern of coughing and choking during feeding. If food is inhaled into the lungs, it increases the risk of pneumonia.
Trouble chewing, along withweight loss or complaints of being hungry.
Frequent accidents that threaten your child's safety.
Other signs of complications. These may include bladder control problems, bleeding gums, or an increase in joint stiffness.
If you have cerebral palsy and you are pregnant, talk with a doctor about how CP can affect your pregnancy and delivery.
Who to see
A team of health care providers will be involved in your child's care. Health professionals who can diagnose and treat people who have cerebral palsy include:
Pediatricians (some pediatricians specialize in developmental disabilities).
Family medicine doctors.
Nurse practitioners.
Physician assistants.
Internists.
Neurologists.
Neurological surgeons.

Physiatrists, physical medicine and rehabilitative physicians, and other doctors who specialize in therapeutic and long-term treatment issues.

Nutritional Needs of Cerebral Palsy Children

Nutritional Needs of Cerebral Palsy Children

While a proper diet is important for all children, it is especially important for those special needs children who suffer from cerebral palsy.

Food choices are important since it’s been shown that they can improve or worsen some of the physical symptoms associated with cerebral palsy. It’s important for parents to know which foods to include as a steady part of the diet and which ones to avoid in order to provide the child with the best possible nutrition.
Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormalities in the brain. These abnormalities cause a disruption in the child’s ability to control movements and posture. The child can exhibit symptoms that range in severity from mild requiring no kind of special assistance to ones so severe there is a need for lifelong care.
Some forms of cerebral palsy (CP) may have detrimental effects on the brain’s ability to move the face, mouth and head which can cause problems from the child when he or she attempts to chew and eat. Because the condition may affect the chewing function, the diet needs to include quality foods that are easy to eat or drink.

The Importance of Good Nutrition

Proper nourishment is of great concern for children who have cerebral palsy. As many as 35 percent of cerebral palsy children suffer from malnutrition according to the organization MyChild. This factor slows the growth process and makes it difficult for the child to gain weight.

For children with cerebral palsy, high calorie healthy foods are essential because it may be difficult for many to physically consume enough food to meet their nutritional requirements.

Two of the most common symptoms of cerebral palsy are constipation and acid reflux. This is the result of poor muscle tone, a condition that makes it difficult for the body to push stool through the colon and into the lower sphincter of the esophagus. This causes the contents of the stomach to wash into the esophagus which causes the condition known as acid reflux.
When preparing foods for a child with cerebral palsy, limit processed foods that have very little nutritional value as much as possible. Instead, place your focus on foods that are high in calories, are nutritious, and contain high qualify fats.

A great addition to the child’s daily diet is calorie-rich smoothies that contain fruits high in calories such as bananas, mangos and avocados, along with green leafy vegetables and powdered greens for the vitamin content.

It is also important to include healthy fats in order to increase both the nutrition and calorie count. This might include nut butters, coconut milk, and coconut oil; you can spread them on foods or add them to smoothies.
Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, collards, and kale are good in smoothies or added to many of the foods you prepare for your child. These leafy green vegetables add vitamins, minerals, fiber, and bulk, the latter of which are important to avoid constipation.


In order to add prebiotics and probiotics to the diet, you may wish to include cultured dairy products, sauerkraut, kimchi, and bananas. These components help build healthy bacteria and help with relief from constipation.

Drug Therapy for Cerebral Palsy

One of the major characteristics of cerebral palsy is spasticity, meaning that the muscles are stiff or rigid muscles. It also describes stiff, rigid muscles interfering with normal muscle activity, movement, walking or speaking. If muscles or tendons remain tense for too long, joints become bent in a fixed rigid position called a contracture.

Spasticity is caused by damage to the portion of the brain that controls voluntary movements. The motor area of the brain is found in the cerebral cortex. If this portion of the brain is damaged, it can affect how nerve impulses from the brain are carried along the spinal cord and through the nervous system to the muscles and tendons. These interrupted or abnormal messages can cause hyperactive deep tendon reflexes, causing knees to jerk, legs to scissor (open and close like a pair of scissors), and repetitive, or jerky motions.

Interrupted or irregular nerve impulses can also cause individuals with diseases like cerebral palsy, or with brain injuries, to hold their shoulders, arms or fingers in odd ways. Spasticity can be extremely debilitating and painful. It is also common in brain injured individuals. Common treatments for spasticity include physical therapy, medications and surgery.

Drugs are sometimes used to control spasticity, particularly following surgery. The three medications that are used most often are diazepam, which acts as a general relaxant of the brain and body; baclofen, which blocks signals sent from the spinal cord to contract the muscles; and dantrolene, which interferes with the process of muscle contraction. Given by mouth, these drugs can reduce spasticity for short periods, but their value for long-term control of spasticity has not been clearly demonstrated. They may also trigger significant side effects, such as drowsiness, and their long-term effects on the developing nervous system are largely unknown.

Patients with athetoid cerebral palsy may sometimes be given drugs that help reduce abnormal movements. Most often, the prescribed drug belongs to a group of chemicals called anti-cholinergics that work by reducing the activity of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger that helps some brain cells communicate and that triggers muscle contraction. Anticholinergic drugs include trihexyphenidyl, benztropine, and procyclidine hydrochloride.


Occasionally alcohol "washes" -- or injections of alcohol into a muscle � are used to reduce spasticity for a short period. This technique is most often used when physicians want to correct a developing contracture. Injecting alcohol into a muscle that is too short weakens the muscle for several weeks and gives time to work on lengthening the muscle through bracing, therapy, or casts. In some cases, if the contracture is detected early enough, this technique may avert the need for surgery.

Diet and Fruit For Cerebral Palsy Diet

The simple act of feeding can be really tough for a child with cerebral palsy, and is very likely a handful for you, too. In this article we discuss foods and nutrients you need to include in your little one’s diet, and show you how to prepare the meals so they’re easier to swallow.

Cerebral palsy severely affects the use and coordination of muscles, including those we require for eating and drinking. That’s why children with the condition often have a hard time chewing and swallowing their food. Add difficulties when using utensils, and it’s suddenly clear why feeding time represents an uphill battle for most kids with CP. As a consequence, many end up underweight and short of vital nutrients necessary for their physical growth, development and overall well-being.
To avoid malnourishment, it's of key importance your child gets an optimal daily amount of calories brimming with vitamins and minerals. In this piece we show you what types of foods are essential for your kid, as well as how to prepare them so they can be chewed and digested more easily:
Get the liquids in
If your child struggles with chewing and swallowing food, it’s a good idea to get the bulk of his or hers recommended daily calorie intake by introducing more liquid foods to the diet.
Similarly, it’s best to avoid anything that’s too sticky or textured. Skip out on foods such as toffee candy, peanut brittle, sinewy meats, and any others that might be tough and time-consuming to chew.
You'll find that blending a certain food often makes it much easier to process. Smoothies, creamy soups, porridges, puddings, and rich stews should be the foundation of your child's diet, as they are packed with the necessary nutrients and easy to swallow down.
Constipation is a common issue with those affected by cerebral palsy, so drinking enough water and other fluids like fresh-pressed fruit juices and herbal teas is extremely important. Staying properly hydrated is beneficial for better digestion and will help your kid maintain higher energy levels.
Fruit smoothies make the perfect breakfast
Healthy smoothies are a fun and easy way to get an ample amount of calories in your child's diet. They are also high in water and fiber, which will help with constipation and soothe other digestion problems.
Start the day off with a fruit smoothie breakfast, just make sure it's calorie-dense. We recommend sweet and starchy fruits like bananas and dates as a base, which you can then mix up with any other fruits or vegetables your kid likes best. The combinations are virtually endless and you can experiment until you find a few recipes that hit the sweet spot.
If you're always struggling to sneak in leafy greens in your kid's diet, spinach and kale are virtually impossible to taste if you blend them in a sweet fruit smoothie. A smart trick to boost the calorie count is to add a spoonful or two of a healthy fat source, such as coconut milk or any nut butter (it’s always better to go for the creamy instead of the crunchy version).
Practice chewing

It's good to rely on liquid foods in order to get the main share of calories in, but make sure your kid still develops his or hers masticatory reflex with smaller snacks in between meals. Try dried fruits like apricots or a piece of bread. If you think that’s too difficult for your child, CaringForCerebralPalsy suggests a smart technique: “allow them to chew on (but not swallo

Diet and Exercise for Cerebral Palsy

People with cerebral palsy is that they have trouble gaining weight. A good, nutritious way of gaining weight for those with cerebral palsy is adding key foods to their diet. The following list is made up of these kinds:
Corn oil or canola oil margarine on bread, vegetables, rice, pasta, hot cereals
Powdered skim milk added to regular whole milk

Wheat germ
Raisins
Puddings
Peanut butter
Custards
Eggs
Thick shakes
Cheese
Ice cream
There are also nutritional supplements available in drug stores that do not require a prescription; however, it is recommended that you consult your child’s pediatrician before purchasing any of these. There are also doctor prescribed supplements too. Remember that supplements are useful, but not as good as the real thing.
According to cerebralpalsy.org, the ketogenic diet is good, but better for children than adults. The diet includes many fats and limits carbs. It recommends 3 or 4 grams of fat for every gram of carbohydrates. You will be feeding the child high-fat dairy products, peanut butter and fatty meats. You will need to supplement this diet with calcium, vitamin D, iron and folic acid. Other diets are out there to try, but this one was what seemed more reasonable than some of the others.
Many methods are available if your child has trouble chewing. Your GP may be able to help you set up meetings with a dietician and a language therapist can help with the method of chewing itself. Dried apricots and fruit strips can also be helpful in between meals if your child has trouble chewing.
The child’s muscle tone is also an important factor in figuring out an appropriate diet. For example, if the child has high muscle tone, they will burn calories much faster than a child with low muscle tone. The goal in supplementing his diets is to add calories without adding bulk (roughage) or empty calories in the diet. Supplemental calories should come from protein, fats, and unrefined carbohydrates. For example, you can add nutrients and calories to your child’s diet with sprinklings of powdered milk, ground nuts, and cheese. There are also many infant formulas designed to give a high caloric, balanced diet, as well as supplements to increase calories. In addition, underweight children with cerebral palsy sometimes benefit from more frequent mini-meals rather than the usual three meals a day. Your child’s pediatrician, speech-language pathologist, and nutritionist can advise you on these and other ways of increasing or enhancing your child’s nutrition.”

Exercise is also very important for those with Cerebral Palsy. It can help increase heart and lung exercise as well as reduce risk for several chronic diseases, like osteopathy or high blood pressure. It is suggested that exercise be made part of the child’s daily routine. It is also said that it should be incorporated into things such as eating and dressing. Swimming can also be helpful since it may improve respiratory ability.

Medications And Drugs For Cerebral Palsy Treatment

Medicine for CP is meant to help patients control pain and reduce complications associated with the disorder. As with other forms of treatment, the type of medicine your child needs will depend on the severity of CP and the complications involved. The most common types of medication for CP include:

Muscle Relaxants: Muscle relaxants such as Valium and Baclofen promote muscle relaxation by reducing spasms and stiff muscles. Most muscles relaxants are given orally unless special surgery is needed to continuous administration.

Seizure Medication: Seizures are a common problem for many people who have CP. Anti-convulsant medication such as Trileptal and Lamictal helps control seizures.
Anticholinergic Medication: For people who suffer from dystonic CP, antocholinergic medication, such as Robinal, may be prescribed. These types of medications help those who drool often and have uncontrollable body movements.


It’s important to note that many doctors feel that giving muscle relaxant medication to growing children is harmful, specifically because the side effects may be more detrimental than the spasms and muscle stiffness. Some doctors, however, feel that the benefits that muscle relaxants give to children with CP outweigh the side effects. Your physician will be able to provide information to you and your child’s needs.

How To Cure Epilepsy Naturally

Epilepsy is traditionally treated with anti-seizure medications. But these medications don’t work for everyone, and they come with a risk of side effects.
From herbs and vitamins to biofeedback and acupuncture, there are a lot of choices available. But there is far less evidence backing up natural treatments for epilepsy compared with conventional medicine.
Some alternative therapies might complement your current treatment plan, but you should always ask a doctor first.
With an increasing market and public interest, herbal treatments have soared in popularity. It seems there is an herb for virtually every ailment. NYU Langone Medical Center estimates that 20 percent of people taking prescription drugs also use herbs.

Some of the most commonly used herbs for epilepsy are:
burning bush
groundsel
hydrocotyle
lily of the valley
mistletoe
mugwort
peony
scullcap
tree of heaven
valerian
Such herbs have the potential to reduce seizures, but there’s no scientific proof that they work. The FDA doesn’t regulate the safety and efficacy of supplements. Herbs sometimes cause unpleasant side effects such as headaches, rashes, and digestive problems.
While some herbs might help epilepsy, others should be avoided. These include:
gingko and St. John’s wort (may interact with anti-seizure medications)
kava, passionflower, and valerian (may increase sedation)
Acupuncture and chiropractic treatments are sometimes considered other alternatives to conventional medicine. The exact way acupuncture helps is not understood, but the ancient Chinese practice is used to help chronic pain and other medical issues. By placing fine needles in specific parts of the body, practitioners help the body heal itself.
Acupuncture may change brain activities to reduce seizures. While the practice sounds good in theory, there is no scientific evidence to prove acupuncture as an effective epilepsy treatment.
Spinal manipulations in chiropractic care may also help the body heal itself. Some chiropractors use specific manipulations to help patients control seizures on a regular basis. But like acupuncture, chiropractic care isn’t widely viewed as an effective form of epilepsy treatment.
garlic (can possibly increase medication levels)

chamomile (may prolong medication effects)

Risk Factors of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy risk factors are events, substances or circumstances that increase the chances of a child developing cerebral palsy. Events that create a greater risk for a child to develop cerebral palsy include accidents, traumatic brain injury, medical malpractice, and shaken-baby syndrome. Events could also include infections, complicated birth, maternal seizures, inflammation and improperly managed chronic health conditions. Risks can be avoidable, or unavoidable.
A mother’s intake of or exposure to toxins from cigarette smoke, illegal drugs, pesticides, hair dye, and even the use of some prescription medications during pregnancy can increase the likelihood that a child conceived later will develop cerebral palsy. An expectant mother’s exposure to illnesses such as Rubella or the chicken pox virus also place the fetus at risk for developing cerebral palsy.
Parental health and habits are known contributing risk factors. For example, parents younger than 18 or older than 34 are more likely to have a child with cerebral palsy. Mothers with eating disorders that aren’t managed properly during pregnancy can contribute risk.

A risk factor does not ensure a child will develop cerebral palsy; it means chances are higher than if that risk factor was not present. Likewise, the absence of risk factors does not ensure that a child will not develop cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy risk factors are often confused with signs, symptoms or causes of cerebral palsy; they are different. To clarify, risk factors increase the odds of cerebral palsy occurring. They effect the causal pathway that leads to brain injury or brain malformation. Symptoms, on the other hand, are the experiences of the individual, which may indicate a condition exists, and signs are clinical proof of the condition. The cause of cerebral palsy is one of four types of brain damage:
Periventricular Leukomalacia, or PVL – damage to white matter tissue in the brain
Cerebral Dysgenesis – brain malformation or abnormal brain development
Intracranial Hemorrhage, or IVH – brain hemorrhage
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy, or HIE, also referred to as Intrapartum Asphyxia – lack of oxygen to the brain or asphyxia

Although risk factors increase chances of a child developing cerebral palsy, the likelihood is still low. Approximately two to four in every 1,000 infants develop cerebral palsy in the United States. Even when risk factors are present, the probability of a child developing cerebral palsy is low.

Different Types Of Cerebral Palsy

Athetoid CP affects a kid's ability to control the muscles of the body. This means that the arms or legs that are affected by athetoid CP may flutter and move suddenly. A kid with ataxic CP has problems with balance and coordination.

A kid with CP can have a mild case or a more severe case — it really depends on how much of the brain is affected and which parts of the body that section of the brain controls. If both arms and both legs are affected, a kid might need to use a wheelchair. If only the legs are affected, a kid might walk in an unsteady way or have to wear braces or use crutches. If the part of the brain that controls speech is affected, a kid with CP might have trouble talking clearly. Another kid with CP might not be able to speak at all.

No one knows for sure what causes most cases of cerebral palsy. For some babies, injuries to the brain during pregnancy or soon after birth may cause CP. Children most at risk of developing CP are small, premature babies (babies who are born many weeks before they were supposed to be born) and babies who need to be on a ventilator (a machine to help with breathing) for several weeks or longer. But for most kids with CP, the problem in the brain occurs before birth and doctors don't know why.

Spastic cerebral palsy In this form of cerebral palsy, which affects 70 to 80 percent of patients, the muscles are stiffly and permanently contracted. Doctors will often describe which type of spastic cerebral palsy a patient has based on which limbs are affected, i.e spastic diplegia (both legs) or left hemi-paresis (the left side of the body). The names given to these types combine a Latin description of affected limbs with the term plegia or paresis, meaning paralyzed or weak. In some cases, spastic cerebral palsy follows a period of poor muscle tone (hypotonia) in the young infant.

Athetoid, or dyskinetic cerebral palsy. This form of cerebral palsy is characterized by uncontrolled, slow, writhing movements. These abnormal movements usually affect the hands, feet, arms, or legs and, in some cases, the muscles of the face and tongue, causing grimacing or drooling. The movements often increase during periods of emotional stress and disappear during sleep. Patients may also have problems coordinating the muscle movements needed for speech, a condition known as dysarthria. Athetoid cerebral palsy affects about 10 to 20 percent of patients.

Ataxic cerebral palsy. This rare form affects the sense of balance and depth perception. Affected persons often have poor coordination; walk unsteadily with a wide-based gait, placing their feet unusually far apart; and experience difficulty when attempting quick or precise movements, such as writing or buttoning a shirt. They may also have intention tremor. In this form of tremor, beginning a voluntary movement, such as reaching for a book, causes a trembling that affects the body part being used and that worsens as the individual gets nearer to the desired object. The ataxic form affects an estimated 5 to 10 percent of cerebral palsy patients.

Mixed forms. It is not unusual for patients to have symptoms of more than one of the previous three forms. The most common mixed form includes spasticity and athetoid movements but other combinations are also possible.

Cerebral Palsy in Adults

Cerebral palsy is a group of problems that affect body movement and posture. It is related to a brain injury or to problems with braindevelopment. It is one of the most common causes of lasting disability in children.

Cerebral palsy causes reflex movements that a person can't control and muscle tightness that may affect parts or all of the body. These problems can range from mild to severe. Intellectual disability, seizures, and visionand hearing problems can occur.

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that cannot be cured. However, treatment, including physical therapy and exercise, the use of antispasmodic medicines to relax muscles, and mechanical aids, can improve an affected person's capabilities, increasing motor function and independence. Many adults with cerebral palsy are able to live and care for themselves independently. Others may need assistance in caring for themselves, help with transportation, and special employment arrangements geared to their abilities. Although the brain injury that causes CP does not get worse over time, some of its effects can appear for the first time, change, or become more severe with age. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about cerebral palsy in, treatment for cerebral palsy in adults, assistive technology for adults with cerebral palsy, physical therapy for adults with cerebral palsy, and much more.

Surgery For Cerebral Palsy Treatment In China

Surgery for people who have cerebral palsy (CP) may help reduce muscle stiffness or spasms and allow more flexibility and control of the affected limbs and joints.

Surgery choices

The main surgery choices are:

Orthopedic surgery (for muscles, tendons, and joints). It's done to increase range of motion. For example, the surgeon may lengthen a tendon, cut through muscles or tendons, or attach a tendon to a different part of the bone.2 Surgery to treat spinal curves (scoliosis) or to prevent or treat hip dislocation is also done.

Selective dorsal rhizotomy (cutting nerves of affected limbs) forcontracture or other mobility problems. This procedure is usually considered only for children who have severe muscle tightness in the legs.

Other surgeries related to cerebral palsy

Surgery for various orthopedic problems. Surgery for other problems is sometimes needed for children with CP. These surgeries vary depending on the specific problems involved. For example, some children may need surgery to correct uneven leg length.

Medicine-related surgery. A small pump is surgically implanted under the skin in the belly for some people who have CP. This pump can deliver medicines, such as baclofen, directly into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord.

When surgery may be used

A thorough checkup is needed to help the doctor find out which muscles and nerves are affected and what type of surgery would best treat the condition. A gait analysis may be part of the exam.

Doctors don't agree about the best age for children to have surgery for cerebral palsy. Some may suggest surgery at a young age, while others may suggest other treatments before surgery. Use this surgery information form to help you decide what's right for your child.

Surgery isn't used nearly as often for the arms as for the legs. Surgery on arm deformities carries more risks related to sensory damage.

Sometimes medicine or physical therapy is used to postpone or prevent the need for surgery.

Life Expectancy Cerebral Palsy In Children

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a term used to describe a group of disabilities that affect a child’s ability to move as a result of birth injury to the brain. CP is a permanent but non-progressive condition that doesn’t get worse as a child grows into adulthood. Except in cases where a babies born with serious health problems, CP is not a life-threatening disability and most infants diagnosed with it live normal life spans.

How Does Cerebral Palsy Affect Children’s Health?
CP is a physical condition that affects the motor control region of the brain and the muscular system. It affects a child’s posture and ability to move and is caused by a one-time brain injury. Because CP’s severity depends greatly on the part of the brain that is injured and how much damage is present, it affects children in different ways. CP impacts a child’s balance, muscle tone and control, reflexes, coordination, and voluntary and involuntary movements.
As a result, the effects of CP on children’s health varies from one child to another. For instance, one child may experience weakness in one hand or arm and is unable to do manual tasks such as buttoning a shirt or drawing a picture. Meanwhile, another child may lack the ability to stand, walk, or talk without assistance and require constant attention from parents, teachers, and other caregivers.
CP affects the motor center of a child’s brain. As a result, infants with the condition may suffer unpredictable or uncontrolled movements. Children withcerebral palsy may have stiff, tight, or weak muscles. Even mild variations of CP can cause involuntary tremors or shaky movements. Children who have more severe manifestations of the condition often have trouble with head and neck control, eating, swallowing, and bladder and bowel control.
Though CP does not cause other disabilities independently, it is often accompanied by associated conditions that have adverse effects on a child’s life expectancy. These associated conditions are usually not connected with the brain injury that causes CP. These conditions include:
Intellectual impairment
Vision impairment
Eating difficulties
Inability to walk
Epilepsy
What is the Life Expectancy of a Child with CP?
Although there have been no general studies of life expectancy in people with cerebral palsy, most children affected by CP live between 30 and 70 years, depending on the severity of the condition. In general, a child with a mild case of CP usually lives longer than a child with mobility and intellectual limitations. Children who respond well to physical and occupational therapy, have no intellectual development problems, and can function with little or no assistance lead longer lives than those with severe disabilities caused by CP. However, most children with even the mildest form of CP tend to have slightly shorter life spans than the general population.
In addition, according to a study published in Pediatrics & Therapeutics, life expectancy is also determined by the quality of treatment that a child with CP receives. Generally, children with low birth weight severe symptoms, intellectual impairments, and limited mobility fare less well than children who can walk and function more or less independently. This is especially true in cases when a family’s financial situation limits the amount of medical and therapeutic care that a child with severe CP requires.
Other factors that determine life expectancy are respiratory disorders and related issues. Babies with severe CP often have difficulty breathing on their own. As a result, respiratory problems are a significant cause of mortality among infants with CP.
How to Improve Life Expectancy
Although there is no known cure for cerebral palsy, proactive care by parents, physicians, and other caregivers can improve a child’s life expectancy. As mentioned earlier, children with mild CP who receive physical and occupational therapy promptly and regularly can improve their ability to move and eat on their own. Children with no or minimal intellectual limitations are also able receive the education they need to function as productive and happy adults.

Keep in mind that children with more severe CP-related conditions, such as lack of mobility or severe cognitive disabilities, have significantly reduced lifespans due to the serious complications the disability causes. Children and young adults who are fed by tubes or can’t raise their heads without assistance also have shorter life expectancy than the general population.

Cerebral palsy life expectancy

Cerebral palsy life expectancy patients is as in normal people, as long as proper care and supplies such as wheelchairs and nutrition therapies are provided.
Cerebral palsy refers to posture and movement disorders.The cerebellum connects with the motor cortex that controls movement of the muscles. Sensory perception, motor control and coordination are controlled by the cerebellum. Cerebral palsy is caused by cerebellum damage. Accidents especially motor accidents can cause brain injuries and this can lead to cerebral palsy. Suffocation can cause brain disorders thanks to the oxygen lack.
In order to calculate cerebral palsy life expectancy doctors have to take into account the severity and the cerebral palsy type. People with cerebral palsy can have problems like perception, hearing and vision problems. People with cerebral palsy present a normal life expectancy if we refer to mobility. In cases of severe spasticity cerebral life expectancy is around 30 years. Associated disorders are very often seen in these people. Patients with moderate disease have an increased cerebral palsy expectancy, that is to say 70 years. Mild cases of cerebral palsy have a normal life expectancy. The cerebral palsy life expectancy in patients with mild cerebral palsy is as good as in normal people.They don’t present other disorders. Spasticity problems are solved by repeated surgeries. Adults and young patients with cerebral palsy who have low mobility do’t have a high life expectancy. Surgeries are not needed when physical exercises are recommended in order to improve muscles condition. Good health care and fiber-rich diet, low in fat and can help these patients in reaching the maximum cerebral palsy life expectancy.
Cerebral palsy does not always cause profound disabilities. While a child with severe cerebral palsy might be unable to walk and need extensive care, another with mild cerebral palsy may be only slightly awkward and require no special assistance. Cerebral palsy is not a disease. It is not contagious and can not be passed from one generation to another. There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but supportive treatment, medication and surgery can help many individuals improve their motor skills and the ability to communicate with the world.
Cerebral palsy related to genetic abnormalities can not be avoided, but some of the risk factors of congenital cerebral palsy can be managed or avoided. For example, rubella can be prevented if women are vaccinated against the disease before becoming pregnant. Rh incompatibilities can also be controlled early in pregnancy. But there are still risk factors can not be controlled or avoided despite medical intervention.

For example, the use of electronic fetal monitoring machines to record the heartbeat of an unborn baby during labor, and use of emergency cesarean section when there are significant signs of fetal distress did not diminish the number of babies born with cerebral palsy. Interventions to treat other prenatal causes of cerebral palsy, such as therapies to prevent prenatal stroke or antibiotics to treat intrauterine infections are difficult to administer or have not been proven to reduce the risk of cerebral palsy in vulnerable infants .