Cerebral palsy how does it happen

Cerebral palsy is caused by damage or abnormal development in the parts of the brain that control movement. These events can happen before, during, or shortly after birth or in the first few years of life, when the brain is still developing. In many cases the exact cause of cerebral palsy is not known. The majority of children with cerebral palsy were born with the condition, a situation called congenital cerebral palsy.

Causes of cerebral palsy that occur before birth include 1 , 2 :. A small number of children have what is called acquired cerebral palsy, which means the disorder begins more than 28 days after birth. Causes of acquired cerebral palsy may include 1 , 2 :. They can take medicine by mouth, G-tube , or get it through a pump the baclofen pump placed under the skin. Surgery can help fix dislocated hips and scoliosis curved spine , which are common in kids with CP.

Leg braces help with walking. Kids can improve their bone health by having a diet that's high in calcium , vitamin D , and phosphorus. These nutrients help keep bones strong. Doctors, dietitians, and speech-language therapists can work with families to make sure kids get enough of the right nutrients and suggest changes to their diets or mealtime routines, if needed. Kids with CP often need to see many different medical specialists for care. That team may include doctors and surgeons, other providers like physical assistants, nurses, therapists, psychologists, educators, and social workers.

Even if many medical specialists are needed, it's still important to have a primary care provider or a medical home. This provider will take care of your child's routine health care and also help you coordinate care with other doctors. Taking care of a child with cerebral palsy can feel overwhelming at times. Not only do kids with CP need a lot of attention at home, they also need to go to many medical visits and therapies. Don't be afraid to say yes when someone asks, "Can I help?

To feel less alone and to connect with others who are facing the same challenges, find a local or online support group. You also can get information and support from CP organizations, such as:. Staying strong and healthy is not only good for you, but also for your child and your whole family. Living with cerebral palsy is different for every child. To help your child move and learn as much as possible, work closely with your care team to develop a treatment plan.

For more information, see Medications. Certain kinds of surgery, which may sometimes be used for a child with severe problems. For more information, see Surgery. Devices and equipment, such as braces, casts, and splints. Pain management. For more information, see the topics Pain Management and Chronic Pain. Physiotherapy Physiotherapy is an important treatment that begins soon after a child is diagnosed.

Devices and equipment Many people who have CP benefit from using something to maintain or improve joint mobility, help strengthen muscles and relax overactive spastic muscles, and assist with daily activities. Other treatments Other therapies may also be needed, depending on specific needs. Occupational therapy helps teens and adults adapt to their limitations and live as independently as possible.

Speech therapy helps control the mouth muscles. This therapy can be of great help to children with speech or eating problems. Speech therapy often starts before the child begins school and continues throughout the school years. A registered dietitian can provide nutritional counselling when a child has problems eating or is not gaining weight.

Both massage therapy and hatha yoga are designed to help relax tense muscles, strengthen muscles, and keep joints flexible. Hatha yoga breathing exercises are sometimes used to try to prevent lung infections. More research is needed to find out the health benefits of these therapies for people who have CP. Therapies to stimulate learning and sensory development may benefit babies and young children. Some also help people of other ages. These therapies cannot repair damaged parts of the brain.

But they may be able to stimulate undamaged parts of the brain. Behavioural therapy may help some school-age children with CP learn better ways to communicate with others. Biofeedback may be useful as part of physiotherapy or on its own. Although it doesn't help everyone with CP, some people who use the technique learn how to control their affected muscles or reduce muscle tension. Preparing for independent living Many adults with CP get jobs if they have good support from their family and community.

Prevention The cause of cerebral palsy CP sometimes isn't known. Before and during pregnancy Doing all you can before and during pregnancy can help lower the risk that a brain injury will occur in a developing baby. Eat nutritious foods. Don't smoke. Avoid exposure to harmful substances. See your doctor regularly. For babies and young children Help prevent CP in your young child by minimizing your child's risk for getting a brain injury. Take steps to prevent injuries. Make sure you are familiar with the signs of jaundice in newborns.

Know how to prevent lead poisoning. Keep your child away from people who have serious contagious illnesses, such as meningitis. Make sure your child's immunizations are up-to-date. For more information, see the topic Immunizations. Home Treatment Family members working together with doctors can use home treatment to provide the best possible care for a child with cerebral palsy CP. Tips for parents and family members Learn about the condition.

Being informed can help you understand how best to help your child. Local or national cerebral palsy organizations can help, especially in dealing with the impact of daily emotional and lifestyle issues.

Talk with your doctor or call your local hospital for suggestions. Learn about your child's educational rights. Contact your provincial and local education departments for specific information about your child's educational rights. Also, vocational training may benefit some teens and young adults. Work with teachers and school officials. Work with your child's teachers, school administrators, special learning consultants, and school boards to develop the best educational plan for your child.

A cooperative team approach helps your child realize his or her potential. Provide emotional support. The needs of a child with CP change over time. As children grow and become more aware of their physical limitations, they need to be able to talk about their feelings and how they are treated. It is sometimes easier for them to talk with someone who isn't a family member.

Ask your doctor about whether emotional counselling would benefit your child. Also, include your child when making decisions about his or her health care. Take care of yourself. Get proper rest, eat well, exercise, and learn ways to cope with the challenges of raising a child with CP.

You will be better equipped to help your child when you have physical energy and emotional strength. Help each other. The entire family is affected when one member has CP. Helping family members cope with this situation is important, especially for siblings. You can help prevent other children from having unrealistic fears and concerns, feeling left out, or becoming overwhelmed.

Helping with daily routines Each person with CP has unique strengths and areas of difficulty. But most people who have CP need ongoing help with: Using the toilet. Some people who have CP have poor bladder control or problems that make using a toilet difficult. Special undergarments and training by an occupational therapist may help. Bowel elimination.

People who have CP often become constipated, making stools difficult to pass. For information about preventing and treating constipation, see the topic Constipation, Age 11 and Younger or Constipation, Age 12 and Older. Provide clothing and shoes that are easy to put on and take off, such as those that zip or button in the front or that have large buttons, ties, or Velcro fasteners.

Problems with jaw and mouth muscles, and also hearing loss, can make it difficult to form words. Speaking slowly and reading with your child often are examples of ways to help your child communicate. Keeping active. Your child needs to move his or her limbs to help keep muscles strong and joints flexible.

Have him or her move and play as much as possible. Involve other family members too. Ask the doctor, physiotherapist, or other parents for ideas. People who have CP are prone to falls and other injuries, especially if they have seizures. You can take safety measures at home—such as having sturdy furniture—to help your child avoid injuries. Use common sense and care around sharp objects. And never leave a person who has CP alone while he or she is bathing. Feeding and grooming Feeding and eating.

Children with CP may have problems being able to chew, suck, and swallow. Using special utensils and serving soft foods may help. A registered dietitian can suggest ways to help your child eat healthy foods and make food easier to chew and swallow.

A person with severe CP may need a feeding tube in order to eat. Bathing and grooming. People who have CP who do not have control of their hands or arms usually cannot groom themselves.

Some children can be taught some self-grooming with practice. Dental and skin care Dental care. CP can cause problems with the jaw muscles, teeth, mouth, and tongue.

And it can make it hard to use a toothbrush. Regular cleanings and special equipment, such as a teeth-cleaning water spray, can help. Skin care. Drooling can cause skin irritation around the chin, mouth, and chest.

You can help protect your child's skin by blotting rather than wiping drool, using cloths to cover the chest, and applying lotions or cornstarch to areas that get irritated. Teen years As your child approaches the teen years and young adulthood, be aware of his or her changing needs.

Give teens and adults with CP plenty of emotional support and understanding. Family members and friends can help them deal with the daily challenges of having CP. Gradually prepare your child for independent living. Usually teens have learned to use their talents and strengths.

But they may need extra help and encouragement to prepare for added expectations and responsibilities. Talk to your teen about intimate relationships. Teens and young adults with CP may need more guidance than other people their age in developing these relationships.

Planning for adulthood Preparing your child for adulthood takes careful planning. Encourage independent living skills. A time may come when you or other family members can no longer assist your child in all areas. Plan for an adult's current and future health care needs.

Complications of cerebral palsy may develop and affect quality of life. Also, some forms of CP are more severe and require special assistance. Use occupational therapy and similar programs that may be helpful. Most adults with CP are employed, despite moderate to severe physical disability. Laws protect the rights of disabled people to find and hold employment among other rights.

Learn about disability laws and policies. Medications Medicines can help control some of the symptoms of cerebral palsy CP , prevent or minimize complications, and treat other medical conditions related to CP. Medicine choices Muscle relaxants antispasmodics are the most common medicines used for people who have CP. Examples include: Baclofen. Botulinum toxin such as Botox. Diazepam such as Valium. These include: Lamotrigine Lamictal.

Oxcarbazepine Trileptal. These include: Benztropine. What to think about Some doctors believe that oral antispasmodic medicines should not be given to growing children. Ask your doctor the following questions about any medicine prescribed for your child: How successful is it in treating my child's problem? What are the short-term and long-term side effects?

What are the chances that the medicine will stop working? What options are available if this happens? How might it affect my child's growth and development? Surgery 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. Selective dorsal rhizotomy cutting nerves of affected limbs for contracture 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.

Physiotherapy after surgery The type of therapy and special equipment needed after surgery such as braces, casts, and splints depends on the child's specific needs.

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