Food for Children With Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that can appear in either infancy or early childhood. Symptoms of cerebral palsy include lack of muscle coordination and spastic reflexes. Adequate nutrition is sometimes difficult for individuals with cerebral palsy so diet supplements or tube-feedings may be needed to meet nutritional needs.

Food for Children With Cerebral Palsy

Nutritional Risk Factors

Cerebral palsy can result in altered growth, failure to thrive and delayed or altered oral motor skill development that can result in aspiration. People with cerebral palsy may also have difficulty feeding themselves due to lack of motor skills. Common nutritional problems in cerebral palsy are inadequate intake of energy, protein, calcium, and vitamins. In addition to working with a dietitian and physician, it is often beneficial for children with cerebral palsy to work with a speech therapist to develop oral motor skill development.

General Diet Guidelines

People with cerebral palsy need to consume a balanced diet that includes an adequate amount of calories and protein. The diet should include a variety of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and lean proteins. This will provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, which can help prevent common nutrient deficiencies. In order to achieve an adequate amount of calories, a meal replacement drink may be used.

Ketogenic Diet

Seizures are common in children with cerebral palsy because of brain injury. The ketogenic diet is often used to help reduce seizures in children and is a popular treatment. The ketogenic diet is a high fat, low carbohydrate diet. Fat is burned in order to compensate for low glucose due to the low intake of carbohydrate. As a result, ketones, a byproduct of metabolism, build up in the blood and prevent the seizures. The ketogenic diet provides 3 to 4 grams of fat for every 1 gram of carbohydrate. Calcium, vitamin D, iron and folic acid are often supplement to prevent nutrient deficiencies. This diet is more effective in children than in adults.


Depending on the severity of cerebral palsy, oral nutrition may be needed. In some cases, tube-feedings are needed to meet nutritional needs. One option for long-term nutrition is using a PEG, which is gastric tube that is surgically put in place. Several healthcare professionals are involved in treating cerebral palsy and include a physician, registered dietitian, speech therapist and a physical therapist. These healthcare professionals, along with others, can develop a treatment plan based on individual needs.

Signs & Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy in an Baby

Cerebral palsy is the umbrella term for a group of disorders related to brain development. They can affect a person's ability to move, speak, see, hear, think and learn. According to the National Institutes of Health, symptoms of this disorder can show up in infants as young as three months old. Being alert for the telltale symptoms in infants can lead to early diagnosis, which allows treatment to begin as soon as possible. This can help an affected baby develop to her fullest possible potential.

Delayed Milestones

Infants who have cerebral palsy may be delayed in reaching typical milestones as compared to other babies. For example, the Alfred duPont Hospital for Children says that infants should start reaching for toys between three and four months of age. They should be able to sit up by the time they are 6 or 7 months old. If an infant is unable to do these things, it may be a sign of cerebral palsy.

Abnormal Movement

Infants with cerebral palsy may make abnormal movements because this disorder can prevent them from controlling their muscles. This can be hard to distinguish when an infant is very young. However, as he develops, he should start gaining control of his movements. If he seems to be making involuntary movements or having tremors, the Alfred duPont Hospital for Children says it could mean he has cerebral palsy. The disorder may also keep him from making controlled movements when he tries, and the National Institutes of Health note that paralysis could occur as well.

Abnormal Reflexes

Infants with cerebral palsy may continue to have infantile reflex responses even after they should have outgrown them. Their reflexes may also be abnormal when compared to those of other infants. This can usually be discovered in a physical examination. If the baby is not responding normally, it could be an indicator of cerebral palsy.

Muscle Tone

The National Institutes of Health says that poor muscle tone in an infant can be a sign of cerebral palsy. The disorder often causes "floppy" muscles, particularly when the baby is at rest. This may be accompanied by an abnormally wide range of motion in the joints.

Feeding Problems

Infants with cerebral palsy may have problems feeding. The National Institutes of Health says this is because the condition can impair a baby's ability to suckle. Excessive drooling and difficulty swallowing can also be a symptom of cerebral palsy.

Warning


There are many conditions with symptoms similar to those of cerebral palsy that can lead to an incorrect diagnosis. According the the Alfred duPont Hospital for Children, these include spinal cord disorders and brain tumors. Infants may also show cerebral palsy symptoms as a result of head injuries, seizures, or accidental drug overdoses. When a baby is very young, it can be a challenge to rule out other causes and pinpoint cerebral palsy as the culprit.

How to Exercise With Children Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a term used to describe a group of disorders that affects movements of the body, balance and posture. A very basic definition of CP is “brain paralysis.” Impairments usually appear early in life during infancy and early childhood. There is no cure for CP but with early treatment some associated disabilities can be reduced. According to researchers at Ball State and the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, CP is one of the most common physical disabilities in the United States, affecting 1.5 to five of 1,000 live births.

How to Exercise With Cerebral Palsy

Swimming is an excellent exercise for patients with cerebral palsy as the water has a certain amount of resistance to it. The patient can float and his or her weight is much more buoyant than it is without water, so the person's movements are less restricted. Cold water is beneficial for increasing muscle tone while warm water tends to relax muscles. Whatever is needed for the muscle tone of the individual is what should be selected.

Stretch tightened muscles by working on the problem area for several minutes each day. For example, if the problem is tight calf muscles, the patient should exercise the legs by standing on his or her toes and slowly bouncing up and down. Also, flexing the calves in a sitting position, with the toes flexed and touching the toes, is a great stretching exercise.

Assist the patient in performing weight resistance exercises, using only the amount of weight that the patient can safely handle. Weight wrist bands, ankle bands and small dumbbells are ideal for this purpose.

Work the arms and legs in a cycling motion, using stationary bikes or hand machines. This can provide many positive effects for improving breathing and muscle strengthening.

Stretching is a basic exercise for all cerebral palsy patients. Different kinds of exercises can promote stretching. Just standing as tall as the palsy will allow is strongly beneficial. Supports should be used where needed, in case the patient is not capable of standing alone.


Try different types of aerobic exercises, such as jogging, walking and climbing the stairs. These exercises work on improving circulation as well as muscle flexibility and strength. Many children enjoy dancing and it can be a great way to improve muscle tone and tightness as well as their breathing and circulation.

The Bset Foods For Children Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy can affect the muscles that open and close the mouth, move the lips and tongue, and control swallowing. As a result many children and adults with cerebral palsy can experience eating and drinking difficulties, which is referred to as dysphagia. Eating and drinking difficulties may include a range of minor to very severe problems with sucking, chewing, keeping food in the mouth, swallowing food, drinking safely, and taking a long time to complete a meal. Dysphagia can have significant implications for development, growth and nutrition, as well as on respiratory health, digestive function, social interaction and behaviour. For example, mealtimes and meal preparation may be time consuming, people may avoid eating with others, may eat and drink less, and safety and risk of poor nutrition may cause anxiety. These factors can impact significantly on the quality of life of the person, their family and carers.

The Bset Foods For Children Cerebral Palsy

These brain lesions are a result of damage before, during or after birth and the symptoms can range from mild, where no special assistance is required, to severe and requiring lifelong care. It is the leading cause of childhood disability that affects bodily function and development.

Specific brain lesions may affect the ability to move the face, mouth and head, creating difficulties with chewing and eating. Because chewing can be affected, the main goal in a diet is to provide high quality foods that are easy to eat or drink.

Proper nourishment is the main concern for children with cerebral palsy. According to the MyChild organization, up to 35 percent of children with cerebral palsy are malnourished. This slow down growth and make gaining weight difficult.
Healthy, high calorie foods are especially important since it can be difficult for many children to physically eat enough to meet their nutrition requirements. Constipation and acid reflux are the most common physical symptoms. This is due to poor muscle tone that affects the ability to push stool through the colon and of the lower esophageal sphincter, which causes the stomach’s contents to wash back up into the esophagus causing acid reflux.

Make every bite count. Limit processed foods with low nutritional value as much as possible and focus on calorie dense, nutritious foods and high quality fats.
Consider adding calorie rich smoothies to the daily diet containing high calorie fruits (bananas, dates, mangos, avocados) and green leafy vegetables along with powdered greens for extra vitamins.

Healthy fats such as nut butters, coconut milk, and coconut oil will also instantly increase nutrition and calorie count and can be added to smoothies or used as a spread on bread.

Leafy greens such as kale, spinach and collards can be added to smoothies and also shredded and added to almost any food: meatballs, pasta, casseroles and sauces. Leafy greens will add extra vitamins and minerals as well as fiber and bulk which can help with constipation.

Make pre- and pro-biotics a regular part of the diet to help build healthy bacteria in the gut and help relieve constipation. Some great choices include cultured dairy products (kefir, yogurt), sauerkraut, kimchi, bananas, honey and whole grains.

Because constipation and acid reflux are due to poor muscle tone, trigger foods can be difficult to identify. Avoiding foods that can add to constipation and acid reflux is the best option since these symptoms will likely not be completely eliminated.
Low fiber foods tend to cause the most trouble with constipation, such as highly processed snack and junk foods, fried food, too much red meat, ice cream and cheese. These foods are also low in nutritional value and should be replaced with healthy alternatives that provide important fiber, vitamins and minerals.
To reduce the likelihood of acid reflux, avoid citrus fruits, spicy foods, garlic, onions, fatty cuts of meat and carbonated beverages.

Experiment with different combinations until you find some options that work for your lifestyle and tastes. Adding vegetables to foods that are easy to eat will ease the preoccupation of not getting enough nutrition.


Sometimes, making just one small tweak can change the entire flavor profile and turn a tolerable food into a delicious one. Remember to start slow, and over time increase the amount of veggies in smoothies and foods. Making slow changes can help change the palate to tolerate a greater amount of healthy food as well as give the digestive system time to adjust to a new diet.

What Are Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy distorts messages from the brain to cause increased muscle tension (called hypertonus) or reduced muscle tension (called hypotonus). Sometimes this tension fluctuates, becoming more or less obvious. Messages from the brain may also be mistimed, sent to the wrong muscle, or not sent at all. This affects the timing, quality and synchronisation of messages, generally resulting in erratic movement of the muscles. Only the message path between the brain and muscles is affected, not the muscles themselves. Cerebral palsy can be categorised into four main areas, according to the parts of the body it affects:
Quadriplegia – all four limbs are affected and the muscles of the face and mouth may also be affected.
Diplegia – all four limbs are affected, but legs more so than arms.
Hemiplegia – one side of the body is affected.
Paraplegia – both legs, but neither of the arms, are affected.
Causes of cerebral palsy
The brain damage that causes CP can occur before the child is born, during birth or in the first few years of life. In most cases, CP is present at birth. Normally, the brain sends out messages telling the body exactly how to move and exactly when to move. Children who have CP have damage to the part of the brain that sends out these messages. This affects the way a child who has CP talks, walks and moves.
Cerebral palsy is not a disease, it is a condition. Cerebral palsy is not contagious. It is also not hereditary. It is usually the result of changes in, or injury to, the developing brain before or during birth, or sometimes in early childhood. The precise nature of the injury is not known. It is usually the result of a diminished blood supply and lack of oxygen to areas of the brain, causing damage to brain cells.
This type of brain damage may be caused by illnesses – such as rubella during pregnancy, meningitis in young children, or accidental injury to the brain.
Recent research indicates that extremely premature babies may also be at risk. The incidence of cerebral palsy appears higher in multiple births.
Risk factors for CP
Infection, such as rubella, in a pregnant mother
Problems with blood circulation in the brain before birth
Abnormal brain development
Premature birth or low birth weight
Babies in a feet-first (breech) position at the beginning of labor
Difficult labor and delivery or delivery of multiple babies
Exposure to toxic substances in a pregnant mother
Severe jaundice in newborns
Infections in the baby after birth, such as bacterial meningitis

Head injuries after birth

Cerebral Palsy Hospital - Beijing Erkang Baiwang Hospital in China

Beijing Erkang Baiwang Hospital was originally founded in 1988 as a cerebral palsy hospital affiliated to Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. It's an appointed hospital for medical insurance and one of the pioneer specialized hospitals in the cerebral palsy field. It is located in Haidian district of Beijing, which is also called the "Educational, Scientific and Cultural Base of China".
For over 30 years' of hard working by all the generations, the hospital has gradually developed into an influential international cerebral palsy hospital based in Beijing. It's also the first Chinese hospital that provides cerebral palsy treatment to patients all over the world, including countries like Russia, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Pakistan, and other 20 countries or regions, solving cerebral palsy related problems for people of all colors and races. It is a model in mainland China, representing the highest level, newest standard and best quality in the field of cerebral palsy treatment. And it has also been well accepted internationally.

As a world renowned quality brand, Beijing Erkang Baiwang Hospital possesses 10 special clinics and 5 unique out-patient clinics, which provide personalized treatment and comprehensive evaluation for the patients. It's also dedicated to improve its power by building up a better doctor team, setting up more advanced equipment, and improving its service to a higher level.

We are treating cerebral palsy by this ways :
Acupuncture therapy foe cerebral palsy
Medicated Bath for cerebral palsy
Muscle Tone Balance Treatment cerebral palsy

Erkang Meridians Adjustment Surgery  management cerebral palsy

The Best Treatment For Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement caused by injury or abnormal development in the brain, most often before birth or one month after birth. Clinical symptoms of cerebral palsy mainly include abnormal posture, dystonia, myasthenia, involuntary movement and ataxia, usually companied with disorder in feeling, cognition, communication, action and secondary skeletal muscle abnormality.
Pediatric cerebral palsy is a severe disabling disease happening in childhood. Its incidence is around 1.5‰-5‰, taking the lead of pediatric neurology and genetic counseling. Cerebral palsy directly affects Children’s whole lives, causing severe disorders to their life and heavy burden to their families. Therefore, finding an effective treatment has become the most concerned thing of patients’ family members.

Stem Cell Transplations for Cerebral Palsy In China Hospital
Stem cells are known as “multifunctional cells” by medical circles for its capacity of constant proliferation and differentiation. In certain condition, they can differentiate into specialized cells with different functions and form various tissues and organs. That is why they are used in treating diseases.
Clinically used stem cells need to go through a professional process, which includes stem cell collection, separation and purification, before they are cultured into specialized cells demanded in the treatment. After that, they were transfused to the patient through intravenous injection or intervention. Due to the self-duplication and differentiation capacity of stem cells, they can form massive new cells to replace the injured cells. Stem cell transplantation is a biological cell therapy, which does not cause side effect to patients.
Treatment principle of stem cell transplantation in treating cerebral palsy: neurons differentiated by transplanted neural stem cells can replace and make up the injured neurons and promote the differentiation of neural stem cells in the patient’s brain tissues, so as to recover the normal growth and development of brain nerve, repair the brain function and improve patient’s life quality.
Autologous means “self-derived”. MNCs is the abbreviation of "Mono Nuclear Cells", which are isolated from bone marrow or mobilized peripheral blood (which is collected from the patients' own blood).The MNCs contain several kinds of cells, including: EPCs (endothelial progenitor cells), MSCs (mesenchymal cells), MAPCs (multipotent adult progenitor cells), MIAMI cells(marrow-isolated adult multi-lineage inducible cells), VSELs (very small embryonic-like cells), HSC (hematopoietic cells) and etc.
Allogeneic cells are taken from different individuals of the same species. Allogeneic cells at Puhua International Hospital are taken from the new-born babies'umbilical cord blood.
In this way, the injected cells will move along the cerebrospinal fluid and some of them can arrive at the injured part.
cells injected via IV approach will circulate around the whole body. In this way, patient’s general condition can be improved.
Rehabilitation

As an integral part of cell therapy, the rehabilitations include daily physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions and complementary Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment.These comprehensive rehabilitation therapies can help improve patient's body functions, congnition etc.

Foods for Children Cerebral Palsy Diet

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.

Ensuring a proper diet is extremely important. First, we will cover brain physiology and the most common physical symptoms associated with cerebral palsy. Food choices can help or worsen some physical symptoms and knowing which ones should be a steady part of the diet and which ones to avoid can have a tremendous impact.
Cerebral palsy refers to several neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and affect muscle coordination and movement.
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. 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.
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.

Definition of Cerebral Palsy - What is CP

Cerebral palsy is a general term used to describe any number of medical conditions in which an infant cannot control muscle movement. This problem can usually be diagnosed by the time a child reaches 18 months due to the child being unable to perform the standard motor skills associated with growing infants, such as sitting, reaching for toys, and walking. The conditions do not generally deteriorate with the passing of the years; rather, they limit the activities a child can perform.

While cerebral palsy (pronounced seh-ree-brel pawl-zee) is a blanket term commonly referred to as “CP” and described by loss or impairment of motor function, cerebral palsy is actually caused by brain damage. The brain damage is caused by brain injury or abnormal development of the brain that occurs while a child’s brain is still developing — before birth, during birth, or immediately after birth.
Cerebral palsy affects body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance. It can also impact fine motor skills, gross motor skills and oral motor functioning.
What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is the result of a brain injury or a brain malformation. Individuals with cerebral palsy were most likely born with the condition, although some acquire it later.
It was once thought that cerebral palsy was caused by complications during the birthing process. While this does happen, it is now widely agreed that birthing complications account for only a small percentage, an estimated 10 percent, of cerebral palsy cases.
Current research suggests the majority of cerebral palsy cases result from abnormal brain development or brain injury prior to birth or during labor and delivery. Accidents, abuse, medical malpractice, negligence, infections, and injury are some known risk factors that may lead to cerebral palsy.

Computers can also be used to help people with cerebral palsy communicate. Some programs function in a way that is similar to a communication board while others may allow patients to type out words letter by letter. If a computer is used as an assistive technology for cerebral palsy, it can also be used to read messages composed by a patient aloud so that the patient can speak with others. Depending on the severity of a patient's cerebral palsy, these computers may be controlled by a number of different means. Some patients are able to use their hands to operate them while others may use movements of the head, neck, or eyes.

you can look Cerebral palsy causes & symptoms

Chinese Herbal Medicine For Cerebral Palsy

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapy including acupuncture, tu'ina, oral herbal medicine, herbal bathing, and collateral-channels conduct therapy for treating children with cerebral palsy (CP).
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on TCM for children with CP. We searched the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, databases of Chinese biomedical journals/Chinese Medical Current Contents, Wan Fang Data, PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library until the end of July 2009, and searched the reference list of retrieved papers.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Treatment of Cerebral Palsy in Children: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials - ResearchGate.
Acupuncture with or without CT or other conventional therapy, tu'ina, herbal medicine, and collateral channels conduct treatment combined with CT may have benefit in children with CP. However, due to insufficient evidence, further rigorous trials are warranted.

Although few studies have tested the use of alternative therapy for cerebral palsy, there's some evidence that acupuncture may help with the disorder. For instance, in a research review published in 2010, scientists sized up 35 randomized clinical trials (involving a total of 3,286 children with cerebral palsy) and concluded that acupuncture may benefit cerebral palsy patients.
he review's findings indicate that acupuncture may help improve daily functioning, increase independence, and enhance verbal function in children with cerebral palsy.
Other studies show that acupuncture may improve speech and boost bone density in cerebral palsy patients. And in a 2009 study of 60 children with cerebral palsy, researchers found that participants who received an alternative therapy combining acupuncture with music therapy showed greater improvement in movement (compared to those who received acupuncture alone). Each group underwent 36 treatment sessions, which took place every two days (with three treatments weekly).
Using Chinese Medicine Treatments for Cerebral Palsy

Due to the limited research, it's too soon to recommend acupuncture as a standard treatment for cerebral palsy. If you're considering the use of any type of alternative therapy for treatment of your child's cerebral palsy, make sure to consult a physician before beginning treatment. Since comprehensive care can increase the patient's chances of overcoming development disabilities, it's important to work closely with your child's doctor in creating a sound treatment plan. It's should be noted that self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.

Best Foods for Your Anti-Aging Diet

Maintaining a youthful and healthy body is about more than longevity; it's a quality of life issue. And having a high quality of life means that you put good, tasty and beneficial things into your body rather than simply avoiding the bad -- foods high in saturated fat, like buttery desserts and fatty red meat.so what are the best foot for anti-aging？

Foods to avoid With Anti-Aging
Wheat, cow's milk and soy products: These are difficult for many people to digest and are not recommended for people with poor immune systems. Raw organic butter, however, is digested better than other dairy foods and is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, and fermented soy products such as miso, tempeh and tamari are okay in moderation.
Processed food: Consumption of artificial ingredients and additives wreaks havoc on the immune system.
Sugar: This is linked to a range of illnesses, including heart disease, autoimmune diseases and diabetes. Sugar in all forms should be limited as much as possible, including fruit – stick to one or two pieces a day. Use the natural alternative stevia instead when cooking.
Salt: All salt contributes to high blood pressure and heart disease, so use sparingly. Opt for sea salt, as table salt contains anti-caking agents.
Man-made fats: Trans fats, found in packaged foods and fried fast food, increase the risk of heart disease. The best fats to eat are cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil, seed and nut oils, and moderate amounts of coconut oil.
10 anti-ageing foods
Onions: Contain a high level of quercetin, an antioxidant that helps strengthen damaged cells. Onions also help raise "good" cholesterol levels.
Garlic: Promotes the growth of white blood cells, the body's natural germ fighters. Both fresh and dried garlic have been shown to lower harmful LDL cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Broccoli: Rich in magnesium and vitamin C, it's one of the most powerful immunity boosters available.
Quinoa: This grain-like seed is a complete protein food, which means it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs to build muscle and repair itself.
Kale: Jam-packed with essential vitamins and minerals, it also contains lutein, an important nutrient.
Wild salmon: A great source of omega-3 fats – the ultimate anti-ageing nutrient – plus loads of vitamin D and selenium for healthy hair, skin, nails and bones.
Nuts: These contain healthy oils, fibre, vitamins, minerals, potent phytochemcials and the amino acid arginine.
Spinach: Bursting with health benefits, it contains many phytonutrients and antioxidants, including vitamins K, C and E, folate, iron and carotenoids.
Sardines: High in omega-3 fatty acids, they contain almost no mercury and are loaded with minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc.

Eggs: They contain high-quality proteins, essential minerals and every vitamin except C.

What Are Symptoms Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury, or damage to the spinal cord, is an extremely serious type of physical trauma. It will likely have a lasting and significant impact on most aspects of daily life.
According to the National Institutes of Health, the group that is most at risk for spinal cord injuries are males between the ages of 15 and 35. Most people who are injured are both young and in good health at the time the trauma occurs

What Are Symptoms Spinal Cord Injury 

Symptomsof spinal cord injury include: loss of movement; loss of sensation (sense of touch, heat or cold); loss of bowel or bladder control; exaggerated reflexes or spasms; changes in sexual function or sensitivity; pain or stinging due to nerve damage; and difficulty breathing, coughing, or clearing the throat.
Emergency symptoms of an injury include severe pain or pressure in the neck, head or back; weakness, lack of coordination or paralysis of part of the body; numbness, tingling or loss of feeling in the hands and feet; loss of bladder or bowel control; difficulty walking or balancing; difficulty breathing after the injury; or a twisted neck or back. People with these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

Some signs that a person may have a spinal cord injury include:
problems walking
loss of control of the bladder or bowels
inability to move the arms or legs
feelings of spreading numbness or tingling in the extremities
unconsciousness
headache
pain or stiffness in the neck area
signs of shock

unnatural positioning of the head

Epilepsy Causes ,Symptoms , Treatment

What is Epilepsy 
Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder (neurological disorder) in which nerve cell activity in the brain becomes disrupted, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of consciousness.
Epilepsy is a physical condition characterized by sudden, brief changes in how the brain works. It is a symptom of a neurological disorder - a disorder that affects the brain and shows itself in the form of seizures.
Epilepsy is a disorder, not a disease; it is not contagious.
Approximately 0.6% of the Canadian population has epilepsy. This includes those who take anticonvulsant drugs or who had a seizure within the past 5 years.
Due to the stigma surrounding epilepsy and the prejudice with which society has historically treated people with epilepsy, many with the disorder are reluctant to admit it or to seek treatment. Thus the prevalence of epilepsy is likely much higher.
Each day in Canada, an average of 42 people learn that they have epilepsy.

Symptoms of Epilepsy 
Because epilepsy is caused by abnormal activity in brain cells, seizures can affect any process your brain coordinates. Seizure signs and symptoms may include:
Temporary confusion
A staring spell
Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
Loss of consciousness or awareness
Psychic symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the type of seizure. In most cases, a person with epilepsy will tend to have the same type of seizure each time, so the symptoms will be similar from episode to episode.
Doctors generally classify seizures as either focal or generalized, based on how the abnormal brain activity begins.
Causes of Epilepsy 
Epilepsy has no identifiable cause in about half of those with the condition. In the other, the condition may be traced to various factors.
Genetic influence. Some types of epilepsy, which are categorized by the type of seizure you experience or the part of the brain that is affected, run in families. In these cases, it's likely that there's a genetic influence.
Researchers have linked some types of epilepsy to specific genes, though it's estimated that up to 500 genes could be tied to the condition. For most people, genes are only part of the cause of epilepsy. Certain genes may make a person more sensitive to environmental conditions that trigger seizures.
Head trauma. Head trauma as a result of a car accident or other traumatic injury can cause epilepsy.
Brain conditions. Brain conditions that cause damage to the brain, such as brain tumors or strokes, can cause epilepsy. Stroke is a leading cause of epilepsy in adults older than age 35.
Infectious diseases. Infectious diseases, such as meningitis, AIDS and viral encephalitis, can cause epilepsy.
Prenatal injury. Before birth, babies are sensitive to brain damage that could be caused by several factors, such as an infection in the mother, poor nutrition or oxygen deficiencies. This brain damage can result in epilepsy or cerebral palsy.
Developmental disorders. Epilepsy can sometimes be associated with developmental disorders, such as autism and neurofibromatosis.
Risk factors
Certain factors may increase your risk of epilepsy.
Age. The onset of epilepsy is most common during early childhood and after age 60, but the condition can occur at any age.
Family history. If you have a family history of epilepsy, you may be at an increased risk of developing a seizure disorder.
Head injuries. Head injuries are responsible for some cases of epilepsy. You can reduce your risk by wearing a seat belt while riding in a car and by wearing a helmet while bicycling, skiing, riding a motorcycle or engaging in other activities with a high risk of head injury.
Stroke and other vascular diseases. Stroke and other blood vessel (vascular) diseases can lead to brain damage that may trigger epilepsy. You can take a number of steps to reduce your risk of these diseases, including limiting your intake of alcohol and avoiding cigarettes, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
Dementia. Dementia can increase the risk of epilepsy in older adults.
Brain infections. Infections such as meningitis, which causes inflammation in your brain or spinal cord, can increase your risk.

Seizures in childhood. High fevers in childhood can sometimes be associated with seizures. Children who have seizures due to high fevers generally won't develop epilepsy, although the risk is higher if they have a long seizure, other nervous system conditions or a family history of epilepsy.

Treatment for Epilepsy With Chinese Medicine
Treatment for Epilepsy should be firstly evaluated, then expert team will adopt suitable treatment and rehabilitation method for different patients. Not all medical treatment can be used to give Epilepsy patients help, thus choosing good and effective treatment and rehabilitation, such as Central Nervous System Adjustment Surgery treatment or Nerve Growth Factors, is indispensible for patient to live a healthy life.

Cerebral Palsy Symptoms,Prevention

Cerebral palsy is defined as "a group of permanent disorders of the development of movement and posture, causing activity limitation, that are attributed to non-progressive disturbances that occurred in the developing fetal or infant brain." While the central feature of CP is a disorder with movement, difficulties with thinking, learning, feeling, communication and behavior often occur along with cerebral palsy. Of those with CP, 28% have epilepsy, 58% have difficulties with communication, at least 42% have problems with their vision, and 23–56% have learning disabilities.
Cerebral palsy is characterized by abnormal muscle tone, reflexes, or motor development and coordination. There can be joint and bone deformities and contractures . The classical symptoms are spasticities, spasms, other involuntary movements , unsteady gait, problems with balance, and/or soft tissue findings consisting largely of decreased muscle mass. Scissor walking and toe walking are common among people with CP who are able to walk, but taken on the whole, CP symptomatology is very diverse. The effects of cerebral palsy fall on a continuum of motor dysfunction, which may range from slight clumsiness at the mild end of the spectrum to impairments so severe that they render coordinated movement virtually impossible at the other end of the spectrum.
Babies born with severe CP often have an irregular posture; their bodies may be either very floppy or very stiff. Birth defects, such as spinal curvature, a small jawbone, or a small head sometimes occur along with CP. Symptoms may appear or change as a child gets older. Some babies born with CP do not show obvious signs right away. Classically, CP becomes evident when the baby reaches the developmental stage at 61⁄2 to 9 months and is starting to mobilise, where preferential use of limbs, asymmetry, or gross motor developmental delay is seen.

Resulting conditions can include seizures, epilepsy, apraxia, dysarthria or other communication disorders, eating problems, sensory impairments, intellectual disability, learning disabilities, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and/or behavioural disorders.
Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy 
Language
Speech and language disorders are common in people with cerebral palsy. The incidence of dysarthria is estimated to range from 31% to 88%. Speech problems are associated with poor respiratory control, laryngeal and velopharyngeal dysfunction, and oral articulation disorders that are due to restricted movement in the oral-facial muscles. There are three major types of dysarthria in cerebral palsy: spastic, dyskinetic (athetosis), and ataxic.
Overall language delay is associated with problems of intellectual disability, hearing impairment, and learned helplessness. Children with cerebral palsy are at risk of learned helplessness and becoming passive communicators, initiating little communication. Early intervention with this clientele, and their parents, often targets situations in which children communicate with others so that they learn that they can control people and objects in their environment through this communication, including making choices, decisions, and mistakes.
Skeleton
In order for bones to attain their normal shape and size, they require the stresses from normal musculature. Osseous findings will therefore mirror the specific muscular deficits in a given person with CP. The shafts of the bones are often thin (gracile) and become thinner during growth. When compared to these thin shafts (diaphyses), the centres often appear quite enlarged (ballooning). With lack of use, articular cartilage may atrophy, leading to narrowed joint spaces. Depending on the degree of spasticity, a person with CP may exhibit a variety of angular joint deformities. Because vertebral bodies need vertical gravitational loading forces to develop properly, spasticity and an abnormal gait can hinder proper and/or full bone and skeletal development. People with CP tend to be shorter in height than the average person because their bones are not allowed to grow to their full potential. Sometimes bones grow to different lengths, so the person may have one leg longer than the other.
Pain and sleep
Pain is common and may result from the inherent deficits associated with the condition, along with the numerous procedures children typically face. Pain is associated with tight or shortened muscles, abnormal posture, stiff joints, unsuitable orthosis, etc. There is also a high likelihood of chronic sleep disorders secondary to both physical and environmental factors.[
Eating

Those with CP may have difficulty preparing food, holding utensils, or chewing and swallowing due to sensory and motor impairments. An infant with CP may not be able to suck, swallow or chew. Children with CP may have too little or too much sensitivity around and in the mouth. Fine finger dexterity, like that needed for picking up a utensil, is more frequently impaired than gross manual dexterity, like that needed for spooning food onto a plate.Grip strength impairments are less common.
Prevention For Cerebral Palsy
In those at risk of an early delivery magnesium sulphate appears to decrease the risk of cerebral palsy. It is unclear if it helps those who are born at term.
Cooling high-risk full-term babies shortly after birth may reduce disability.

Signs and Symptoms Of Spinal Cord Injury

What is Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is an injury to the spinal cord resulting in a change, either temporary or permanent, in the cord's normal motor, sensory, or autonomic function. Common causes of damage are trauma The spinal cord does not have to be severed in order for a loss of function to occur. Depending on where the spinal cord and nerve roots are damaged, the symptoms can vary widely, from pain to paralysis to incontinence. Spinal cord injuries are described at various levels of "incomplete", which can vary from having no effect on the patient to a "complete" injury which means a total loss of function.
Treatment of spinal cord injuries starts with restraining the spine and controlling inflammation to prevent further damage. The actual treatment can vary widely depending on the location and extent of the injury. In many cases, spinal cord injuries require substantial physical therapy and rehabilitation, especially if the patient's injury interferes with activities of daily life.
Research into treatments for spinal cord injuries includes controlled hypothermia and stem cells, though many treatments have not been studied thoroughly and very little new research has been implemented in standard care.

Signs and symptoms Of Spinal Cord Injury
Signs recorded by a clinician and symptoms experienced by a patient will vary depending on where the spine is injured and the extent of the injury. These are all determined by the area of the body that the injured area of the spine innervates. A section of skin innervated through a specific part of the spine is called a dermatome, and spinal injury can cause pain, numbness, or a loss of sensation in the relevant areas. A group of muscles innervated through a specific part of the spine is called a myotome, and injury to the spine can cause problems with voluntary motor control. The muscles may contract uncontrollably, become weak, or be completely paralysed. The loss of muscle function can have additional effects if the muscle is not used, including atrophy of the muscle and bone degeneration.
A severe injury may also cause problems in parts of the spine below the injured area. In a "complete" spinal injury, all functions below the injured area are lost. An "incomplete" spinal cord injury involves preservation of motor or sensory function below the level of injury in the spinal cord.If the patient has the ability to contract the anal sphincter voluntarily or to feel a pinprick or touch around the anus, the injury is considered to be incomplete. The nerves in this area are connected to the very lowest region of the spine, the sacral region, and retaining sensation and function in these parts of the body indicates that the spinal cord is only partially damaged. This includes a phenomenon known as sacral sparing which involves the preservation of cutaneous sensation in the sacral dermatomes, even though sensation is impaired in the thoracic and lumbar dermatomes below the level of the lesion.[9] Sacral sparing may also include the preservation of motor function (voluntary external anal sphincter contraction) in the lowest sacral segments.[8]Sacral sparing has been attributed to the fact that the sacral spinal pathways are not as likely as the other spinal pathways to become compressed after injury. The sparing of the sacral spinal pathways can be attributed to the lamination of fibers within the spinal cord.
A complete injury frequently means that the patient has little hope of functional recovery. The relative incidence of incomplete injuries compared to complete spinal cord injury has improved over the past half century, due mainly to the emphasis on faster and better initial care and stabilization of spinal cord injury patients. Most patients with incomplete injuries recover at least some function.

Determining the exact "level" of injury is critical in making accurate predictions about the specific parts of the body that may be affected by paralysis and loss of function. The level is assigned according to the location of the injury by the vertebra of the spinal column closest to the injury on the spinal cord.

Types and Cause of Cerebral Palsy

Types of Cerebral Palsy
Several cerebral palsy classification systems exist today to define the type and form of cerebral palsy an individual has. The classification is complicated by the wide range of clinical presentations and degrees of activity limitation that exist. Knowing the severity, location and type of cerebral palsy your child has will help to coordinate care and fund treatment.
Mild - Mild cerebral palsy means a child can move without assistance; his or her daily activities are not limited.
Moderate – Moderate cerebral palsy means a child will need braces, medications, and adaptive technology to accomplish daily activities.
Severe – Severe cerebral palsy means a child will require a wheelchair and will have significant challenges in accomplishing daily activities.
No CP – No CP means the child has cerebral palsy signs, but the impairment was acquired after completion of brain development and is therefore classified under the incident that caused the cerebral palsy, such as traumatic brain injury or encephalopathy.
Cause of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is caused by brain injury or brain malformation that occurs before, during, or immediately after birth while the infant’s brain is under development. But how a brain injury affects a child’s motor functioning and intellectual abilities is highly dependent on the nature of a brain injury, where the damage occurs, and how severe it is.
What is brain injury, birth injury and brain malformation?
The cause of cerebral palsy is a brain injury or brain malformation that occurs while the brain is developing — before, during, or after birth. As a result of the brain damage during brain development a child’s muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance can be affected. It can also impact a child’s fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and oral motor functioning.
Every case of cerebral palsy is unique to the individual. This is due in part by the type of injury, extent of injury, and the timing of injury to the developing brain. The brain damage that causes cerebral palsy is a result of either:
Prenatal disturbance of brain cell migration - genetic and environmental factors disturb brain cell migration as cells move to their appropriate location during brain development.
Prenatal poor myelination (insulation) of developing nerve cell fibers – brain function is impeded when poor myelin provides an inadequate protective covering over nerve cells that aid in the transmission.
Perinatal brain cell death – events in the birthing process that rupture blood vessels or starve oxygen to the brain.

Postnatal non-functional or inappropriate connections (synapses) between brain cells – trauma, infections, and asphyxia that damage connections developed in the brain.

Life Expectancy of Cerebral Palsy

Life span is among a parent’s immediate concerns for a child. Although life expectancy hinges on many factors, most individuals with cerebral palsy enjoy a healthy lifespan as long as life-threatening associative conditions are managed, and healthful medical care and lifestyle supports are implemented. In general, there are eight factors that have been identified to affect life span for individuals with cerebral palsy.
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.

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What Causes Of Motor Neurone Disease

What is Motor Neurone Disease 

Motor neurone disease (MND) is the name given to a group of diseases in which the nerve cells - neurones - controlling the muscles that enable us to move, speak, breathe and swallow; undergo degeneration and die.

Motor function is controlled by upper motor neurones (UMN) in the brain that descend to the spinal cord; these neurones activate anterior horn cells - lower motor neurones (LMN). The LMN exit the spinal cord and directly activate muscles. With no nerves to activate them, muscles gradually weaken and waste. The patterns of weakness vary from person to person.

Motor neurone disease occurs at similar rates in most countries of the world. It is estimated that there are presently around 400,000 people worldwide diagnosed with MND and about 1900 people with MND in Australia. Slightly more men than women are diagnosed with MND, most commonly in the 50 to 60 year age group. However, MND may be diagnosed in adults at any age.

What causes Motor Neurone Disease 

The causes of motor neurone disease are not yet known, but ongoing research throughout the world is looking for causes.

There are many theories, including exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals, infection by viral agents, immune mediated damage, premature ageing of motor neurones, and loss of growth factors required to maintain motor neurone survival and genetic susceptibility.


Most cases of MND occur spontaneously. These are said to be sporadic - meaning occurring in scattered or isolated instances without clearly identifiable causes. However, familial (hereditary) MND accounts for about ten per cent of cases.

Stem Cells Therapy for Cerebral Palsy

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term for the effects of damage to a developing brain by various causes. It is connected with a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness and movement problems. The damage to the brain usually occurs early on in its development, either in the baby during pregnancy or during the period soon after birth. Symptoms may include difficulties in walking, balance and motor control, eating, swallowing, speech or coordination of eye movements. Some people affected by cerebral palsy also have some level of intellectual disability. No two people with cerebral palsy are affected in exactly the same way.

What are the causes of cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy may arise during pregnancy, but can also be caused by complications at birth, or following injury or illness after birth. It is often difficult to pinpoint exactly what has caused the damage to the brain because many different things can work together to create each person’s unique set of symptoms, including:
Changes in the genes inside the brain’s cells can affect how the brain develops
The brain can sometimes develop in an unusual shape or structure
Infections during pregnancy or physical injury can cause damage to the brain
Complications of premature birth
Critical illness at birth (known as neonatal encephalopathy), which sometimes causes a shortage of oxygen to the brain
Examples of cells found in the brain: Many different types of cells interact to carry signals around the brain and between the brain and body. Cerebral palsy is difficult to treat because it can involve damage to all of these types of cells and their connections.

Stem Cells Therapy for Cerebral Palsy


Cerebral palsy is a group of brain diseases which produce chronic motor disability in children. The causes are quite varied and range from abnormalities of brain development to birth-related injuries to postnatal brain injuries. Due to the increased survival of very premature infants, the incidence of cerebral palsy may be increasing. While premature infants and term infants who have suffered neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic (HI) injury represent only a minority of the total cerebral palsy population, this group demonstrates easily identifiable clinical findings, and much of their injury is to oligodendrocytes and the cerebral white matter. While the use of stem cell therapy is promising, there are no controlled trials in humans with cerebral palsy and only a few trials in patients with other neurologic disorders. However, studies in animals with experimentally induced strokes or traumatic injuries have indicated that benefit is possible. The potential to do these transplants via injection into the vasculature rather than directly into the brain increases the likelihood of timely human studies. As a result, variables appropriate to human experiments with intravascular injection of cells, such as cell type, timing of the transplant and effect on function, need to be systematically performed in animal models with HI injury, with the hope of rapidly translating these experiments to human trials.

How Does Cerebral Palsy Affect Walking?

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that impairs speech, thought, movement and coordination. Although most cerebral palsy patients are born with this condition, the symptoms of cerebral palsy may not be fully apparent until a child is around 3 years old (as development highlights cognitive and muscular disabilities).

Cerebral Palsy and Walking

Cerebral palsy is a developmental disorder brought on by different neurological conditions. While it often varies in type and intensity, most forms of cerebral palsy affect walking in some way. Some conditions affect muscle tone, while others may make coordination difficult. Some forms of cerebral palsy may even affect posture, making walking more challenging and sometimes impossible.

Cerebral Palsy and Muscle Control

Some children with cerebral palsy have problems with muscle tone. The muscles may be spastic, causing them to be flexed and rigid. Alternatively, they may be flaccid, "floppy" and weak. In either case, problems with muscle tone not only make leg movements challenging, but it can make standing difficult. Some forms of cerebral palsy cause problems with coordination and walking even though muscle tone may not be the problem. For instance, ataxic cerebral palsy causes tremors and difficulties with depth perception. Children with this form of cerebral palsy often walk with a wide, staggering gait pattern. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy, on the other hand, causes uncontrollable writhing movements. This can also make coordinating the legs challenging, including when bearing weight and walking.
Learning to Walk With Cerebral Palsy


To succeed in walking, the child with cerebral palsy needs some assistance. Consult a physician or therapist who can help get the ball rolling for children with cerebral palsy who want to walk. Doctors may prescribe medications that keep symptoms in check, such as controlling spasms and muscle tone. Physical therapy can be crucial for children with cerebral palsy, to help them develop muscle control and improve their coordination. Children may also be more successful with walking if they use leg braces to improve stability, or assistive devices for walking, such as a specialized walker or crutches.

Learn more about Hydrotherapy for children with Cerebral Palsy

Hydrotherapy for children with Cerebral Palsy Treatment

Can Hydrotherapy Help Children With Celebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood. It can affect about 1 in 300 children according to estimates. This means thousands of children in Dublin are dealing with this condition day in, day out. We at Kiltipper Woods Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy Clinic Dublin 24 however can help greatly.

Hydrotherapy can be a gentle but highly effective form of treatment for cerebral palsy (CP). Hydrotherapy (also known as aquatic therapy, aqua therapy or water therapy) can help children with cerebral palsy go through a series of movements that can gently stretch the rigid muscles associated with the condition.

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have a physical impairment which affects movement. The movement problems vary from barely noticeable to extremely severe. People with CP often have difficulty in controlling their movement. This doesn't necessarily mean that their mental abilities are in any way impaired. Some are of higher than average intelligence; others have moderate to severe learning difficulties. Most, like many people without CP, are of average intelligence. The most obvious effects on a child with CP are on movement and can result in stiffness, floppiness, unsteadiness, difficulty in controlling movement or unwanted involuntary movement. Exercise in water appeals to children with CP because of the unique quality of the buoyancy of the water that reduces joint loading and impact and decreases the negative influences of poor balance and poor postural control. Hydrotherapy usually consists of gentle stretching, floatation and relaxing exercises, strengthening exercises against the resistance of the water and movement exercises within the water.

Advantages of Hydrotherapy for Cerebral Palsy

Hydrotherapy can relax and soften muscles in a way that other cerebral palsy treatments cannot. It’s also useful for speech therapy as it improves vocalization, respiratory function and motor skills. Hydrotherapy improves muscle tone and strength while increasing circulation, endurance flexibility, range of motion, balance and coordination. The buoyancy of the water relieves pressure on the muscles and joints, while the gentle resistance helps to build or improve muscle tone. Hydrotherapy is an excellent treatment for anyone living with cerebral palsy, especially children. This is because hydrotherapy, especially if started early enough in the child’s life, can reduce the discomfort and deformities often associated with cerebral palsy leading to a more active, healthy and independent life.


For a toddler with CP, the outcome of hydrotherapy might be to increase range of motion to prepare for sitting up or walking later on. For an older child, hydrotherapy might center on strengthening muscles in a lower gravity environment. For adults with severe symptoms, hydrotherapy might simply reduce discomfort and provide a way to increase activity.

How to Manage Cerebral Palsy

Treatment for Cerebral Palsy
Treating cerebral palsy is almost as complex as the condition is, and there’s no cookie-cutter approach because each individual is affected differently. Although the brain injury that causes cerebral palsy cannot be healed, the resulting physical impairment can be managed with a wide range of treatments and therapies. Although there is no universal protocol developed for all cases, a person’s form of cerebral palsy, extent of impairment, and severity level help to determine care.
What is the treatment for cerebral palsy?
While therapy and adaptive equipment are the primary treatment protocol for cerebral palsy, an individual may also require drug therapy and surgical interventions. Some families, with caution and physician guidance, turn to complementary and alternative medicine for additional assistance.
Although each medical specialist may have specific care goals related to their specialty and the individual’s unique condition, the overriding treatment goal for those with cerebral palsy is to:
Optimize mobility
Manage primary conditions
Control pain
Prevent and manage complications, associative conditions and co-mitigating factors
Maximize independence
Enhance social and peer interactions
Foster self-care
Optimize ability to communicate
Maximize learning potential

Provide quality-of-life

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is due to damage occurring to the developing brain. This damage can occur during pregnancy, delivery, the first month of life, or less commonly in early childhood. Structural problems in the brain are seen in 80% of cases, most commonly within the white matter. More than three quarters of cases are believed to result from issues that occur during pregnancy.

While in certain cases there is no identifiable cause, typical causes include problems in intrauterine development (e.g. exposure to radiation, infection), hypoxia of the brain, and birth trauma during labor and delivery, and complications around birth or during childhood.

Congenital cerebral palsy results from brain injury during a baby's development in the womb. It is present at birth, although it may not be detected for months.

It is responsible for CP in about 70% of the children who have it. An additional 20% are diagnosed with congenital cerebral palsy due to a brain injury during the birthing process. In most cases, the cause of congenital cerebral palsy is unknown.

Some possible causes are:
Infections during pregnancy that may damage a fetus' developingnervous system. These include rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus (a herpes-type virus), and toxoplasmosis (an infection caused by a parasite that can be carried in cat feces or inadequately cooked meat). Other infections in pregnant women that may go undetected are being recognized now as an important cause of developmental brain damage in the fetus.

Severe jaundice in the infant. Jaundice is caused by excessivebilirubin in the blood. Normally, bilirubin is filtered out by the liver. But often, newborns' livers need a few days to start doing this effectively, so it's not uncommon for infants to have jaundice for a few days after birth. In most cases, phototherapy (light therapy) clears up jaundice, and there are no lasting health effects. However, in rare cases, severe, untreated jaundice can damage brain cells.

Rh incompatibility between mother and infant. In this blood condition, the mother's body produces antibodies that destroy the fetus's blood cells. This, in turn, leads to a form of jaundice in thenewborn and may cause brain damage.

The physical and metabolic trauma of being born. This can precipitate brain damage in a fetus whose health has been threatened during development.

What is Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. Signs and symptoms vary between people. Often problems include: poor coordination, stiff muscles, weak muscles, trouble swallowing or speaking, and tremors among others. There may also be problems with sensation, vision, and hearing. Often babies with CP do not roll over, sit, crawl, or walk as early as other children their age. Difficulty with the ability to think or reason and seizures each occurs in about one third of cases. While the symptoms may get more noticeable over the first few years of life, the underlying problems do not worsen over time.

What is Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture. Most often the problems occur during pregnancy; however, they may also occur during childbirth, or shortly after birth. Often the cause is unknown. Risk factors include premature birth, being a twin, certain infections during pregnancy such as toxoplasmosis orrubella, exposure to methylmercury during pregnancy, and head trauma during the first few years of life, among others. About 2% of cases are believed to be due to an inherited genetic cause. A number of sub-types are classified based on the specific problems present. For example those with stiff muscles have spastic cerebral palsy, those with poor coordination have ataxic cerebral palsy, and those with writhing movements have athetoid cerebral palsy. Diagnosis is based on the child's development over time. Blood tests and medical imaging may be used to rule out other possible causes.
CP is partly preventable through immunization of the mother and efforts to prevent head injuries in children such as through improved safety. There is no cure for CP; however, supportive treatments, medications, and surgery may help many individuals. This may include physical therapy and speech therapy. Medications such as diazepam, baclofen, and botulinum toxin may help relax stiff muscles. Surgery may include lengthening muscles and cutting overly active nerves. Often external braces and other assistive technology are helpful. Some children have near normal adult lives with appropriate treatment. While alternative medicines are frequently used there is no evidence to support their use.

CP is the most common movement disorder in children. It occurs in about 2.1 per 1,000 live births. Cerebral palsy has been documented throughout history with the first known descriptions occurring in the work of Hippocrates in the 5th century BCE. Extensive study of the condition began in the 19th century by William John Little.A number of potential treatments are being examined, including stem cell therapy. However, more research is required to determine if it is effective and safe.