4. Cerebral palsy describes 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 developing fetal or
infant brain. The motor disorders of cerebral palsy
are often accompanied by disturbances of
sensation, perception, cognition, communication
and behavior, by epilepsy, and by secondary
musculoskeletal problems.
5. CAUSES
An insult or injury to the brain
- Fixed, static lesion(s)
- In single or multiple areas of the motor centers of the
brain
- Early in CNS development
Development Malformations
Neurological Damage
- Can occur before, during or after delivery
Severe deprivation of oxygen or blood flow to the
brain (CHIEF CAUSE)
6. RISK FACTORS
oPremature birth
oLow birth weight
oBlood clotting problems
oInability of the placenta to provide the
developing fetus with oxygen and nutrients
7. RISK FACTORS
o Infection of the mother with German measles or
other viral diseases in early pregnancy
o Bacterial infection of the mother, fetus or infant
directly or indirectly attack the infant’s central
nervous system
o Prolonged loss of oxygen during the birth process
o Severe jaundice after birth
8. DIAGNOSIS
oComplete Medical History of Child’s
Motor Development
oPhysical Examination
oCranial Ultrasound
oComputed tomography (CT) scan
oMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
scan
9. CLASSIFICATION
Physiological Grouping
a.) Spastic – tense, contracted muscles
b.) Athetoid – constant, uncontrolled motion of
limbs, head and eyes
c.) Ataxic – poor sense of balance, often
causing falls and stumbles
d.) Rigidity – tight muscles that resist effort to
make them move
e.) Tremor – uncontrollable shaking interfering
with coordination
10. CLASSIFICATION
Anatomic Grouping
a.) Diplegia – refers to the involvement
predominantly in the legs
b.) Quadriplegia – four dysfunction of
four extremities
c.) Hemiplegia – refers to individuals with
unilateral motor dysfunction;
11. PREVENTION
Treatment
o Physical Therapy
o Occupational Therapy
o Speech and Language
o Psychology
o Vision and Hearing Aids
o Orthotics
o Assistive Technology
Prevention
oRh Factor Test
oImmunizations
oPrenatal Care