Cerebral Palsy Cerebral Palsy in Children – Symptoms …

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a broad term that describes a group of neurological (brain) disorders. It is a life-long condition that affects the communication between the brain and the muscles, causing a permanent state of uncoordinated movement and posturing. CP may result from several problems, such as lack of oxygen to the brain, genetic conditions, infections, brain hemorrhage, severe cases of jaundice, and injury to the head.

For more information about cerebral palsy, please call 314.454.5347 or 800.678.5437 oremail us.

Many cases of cerebral palsy have unknown causes. The disorder occurs when there is abnormal development or damage to areas in the brain that control motor function. It occurs in approximatelythree out of every 1,000 live births. Risk factors for cerebral palsy include the following:

The following are the most common symptoms of cerebral palsy. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. The child may have muscle weakness, poor motor control, or have shaking, also called spasticity, of the arms or legs. Muscle stiffness in the form of stiff legs or clenched fists may also be seen. Cerebral palsy is classified according to the kind of motor function the child may have, including the following:

Children with cerebral palsy may have additional problems, including the following:

Babies with cerebral palsy are often slow to reach developmental milestones, such as learning to roll over, sit, crawl, or walk. They may also have certain reflexes present that normally disappear in early infancy. The symptoms of cerebral palsy may resemble other conditions. Always consult your child's doctor for a diagnosis.

To consult with a doctor at St. Louis Children's Hospital, call 314.454.5437 or 800.678.5437 oremail us.

The diagnosis of cerebral palsy is made with a physical examination. During the examination, the doctor obtains a complete prenatal and birth history of the child. The diagnosis of cerebral palsy is not usually made until the child is at least 6 to12 months old. This is the time when the child should be achievingdevelopmental milestones, such as walking, and hand and head control. However, approximately half of the children suspected to have cerebral palsy at 12 months appear to grow out of it by age 2. Diagnostic tests may include the following:

TheCerebral Palsy Centerat St. Louis Children's Hospital diagnoses and treats infants, children, and adolescents with cerebral palsy. Specific treatment for cerebral palsy will be determined by your child's doctor based on:

Since cerebral palsy is a life-long condition that is not correctable, management includes focusing on preventing or minimizing deformities and maximizing the child's capability at home and in the community. A child is best treated with an interdisciplinary team that may include the following health care providers:

Management of cerebral palsy includes nonsurgical and surgical options. Nonsurgical interventions may include:

Surgical interventions may be used to manage the following conditions:

Since cerebral palsy is a life-long condition that is not correctable, management includes focusing on preventing or minimizing deformities and maximizing the child's capabilities at home and in the community. Positive reinforcement will encourage the child to strengthen his/her self-esteem and promote as much independence as possible.

The full extent of the problems is usually not completely understood immediately after birth, but may be revealed as the child grows and develops.

For more information about cerebral palsy or to consult with a doctor at theCerebral Palsy Centerat St. Louis Children's Hospital, call 314.454.5437 or 800.678.5437 oremail us.

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Cerebral Palsy Cerebral Palsy in Children - Symptoms ...