Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is not a disease, but a collection of symptoms. It causes brain damage in the area that controls muscle movement. This disorder is common among premature babies or infants born with a low birth weight. Symptoms of this disorder can range from being very mild to being very serious. Symptoms are slight clumsiness or in serious cases spasticity that affects a child's arms or legs so the child must wear a brace, use crutches, or ride in a wheelchair. Speech may be affected because the muscles may be affected and cerebral palsy may be accompanied by another disorder. These disorders could be mental retardation, behavioral problems, or seizures.

This disorder is hard to diagnose during infancy and lab tests cannot test for cerebral palsy. If symptoms are present then the doctor may preform blood tests and an MRI to check the brain for damage. The disorder cannot be cured. It can however be treated. Physical therapy and occupational therapy and braces are used to help those with cerebral palsy. Surgery may take place to cut or lengthen the tendons in the muscles. This can be used to reduce the spasticity because it affects the nerves in the muscles that link up with those in the spinal cords. Speech therapy is also used to help those with the disorder. Drugs are used to prevent seizures and can also help with spasticity. Cerebral Palsy is a life-long disorder.

"Cerebral Palsy." The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. 1 Feb. 2003. 6 Apr.

2006 .