Cerebral palsy can involve motor and nonmotor symptoms. Motor manifestations may include spasticity, dyskinesia, ataxia, weakness, abnormal muscle tone, involuntary movements, and delayed motor milestones. Sensory, cognitive, emotional, or behavioral impairments may accompany the movement disorder, and seizures may occur with co-occurring epilepsy. Symptoms can be focal or widespread and vary with the affected brain regions.

Rutgers University

Google

Cerebral Palsy is a neurological condition which develops anytime between the prenatal and two years post-natal period. Onset occurs for unknown reasons during fetal development, but can also occur during issues with delivery or due to a child sustaining an injury to the head before cerebral development is completed. The disease is commonly characterized by disorders of movement, as well as emotional, behavioral, and cognitive impairments. 

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

There are a variety of treatment options, but the ideal treatment method hopes to manage all symptoms and push for the individual’s independence. A multidisciplinary “team” method is generally employed, especially if the person is being treated at a young age. In the team, there would ideally be (at least): a physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, and cognitive-behavioral therapist. 

Research is still being done for the best treatment methods throughout adulthood. While most people are treated at a young age, symptoms persist past adolescence, and adults with CP should still be monitored regularly.

Learn Before

Related