2. INTRODUCTION
Cerebral Palsy, Stroke, and Traumatic Brain
Injury
Different causes, similar results: brain
damage
Still encouraged to participate in physical
activity
3. CEREBRAL PALSY
Refers to a group of permanent disabling
symptoms resulting from damage to the
motor control areas of the brain
Nonprogressive
Originates before, during, or shortly after
birth
Symptoms vary widely, ranging from severe
to mild
Other impairments and secondary medical
complications
4. CAUSES OF CP
Pre-natal, Natal, and Post-natal causes
Rubella, Rh incompatibility, prematurity, birth
trauma, anoxia, meningitis, poisoning, brain
hemorrhages or tumors, and other forms of
brain injury
Results from causal pathways rather than
any single factor
5. INCIDENCE
Estimated 800,000 children and adults in the
US with CP
Only about 10% of those cases are acquired
The number of new cases has increased by
25% over the last decade
8,000 babies and infants diagnosed each
year
1,200 to 1,500 preschool aged
6. CLASSIFICATIONS
The degree and location of the brain damage
affects the symptoms that are displayed
Because of the variety of symptoms,
classification systems have been put in
place.
1. Topographical
2. Neuromotor
3. Functional
7. TOPOGRAPHICAL
Based on the body segments affected
Typically used by the medical community
Classes include:
Monoplegia
Diplegia
Hemiplegia
Paraplegia
Triplegia
Quadriplegia
8. NEUROMOTOR
American Academy for
CP and Developmental
Medicine
Three main types
1. Spasticity
2. Athetosis
3. Ataxia
Characteristics are
not distinct
9. NEUROMOTOR: SPASTICITY
Results from damage to motor areas of the
cerebrum
Characterized by increased muscle tone
Strong exaggerated muscle contractions are
common
Associated with hyperactive stretch reflex
10. NEUROMOTOR: ATHETOSIS
Caused by damage to the basal ganglia
Results in an overflow of motor impulses to
the muscles
Also known as dyskinetic CP
Muscle tone fluctuates, especially in muscles
that control the head and neck.
Lordotic standing posture
Aphasia and articulation difficulties
11. NEUROMOTOR: ATAXIA
Caused by damage to the cerebellum
Hypotonicity
Usually not diagnosed until child attempts to
walk
Wide-based gait is typical
Nystagmus is also commonly observed
12. FUNCTIONAL
Used in the field of education
Based on ability due to the severity of the
disability
Important implications for physical education
and sport
13. Clas
s
Description
I Severe spasticity or with poor functional range of motion and strength in
all extremities
II Severe to moderate spastic or athetoid quadriplegic; poor functional
strength in all extremities, and poor trunk control
III Moderate quadriplegic or triplegic; severe hemiplegia; fair to normal
strength in one upper extremity
IV Moderate to severe diplegic; good functional strength and minimal
control problems in upper extremities and torso
V Moderate to severe diplegic or hemiplegic; moderate to severe
involvement in one or both legs; good functional strength; good balance
when assistive devices are used
VI Moderate to severe quadriplegic; fluctuating muscle tone producing
involuntary movements in trunk and both sets of extremities;
VII Moderate to minimal spastic hemiplegic; good functional ability on
nonaffected side
VIII Minimal hemiplegic, monoplegic, diplegic, or quadriplegic; might have
minimal coordination problems; good balance
14. GENERAL EDUCATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
CP is not a disease. It is not to be treated but
managed.
Manage both motor and associated
disabilities
In some cases surgery can be done
There has been some advanced research in
the use of stem cells
Physical therapy is common, especially in
younger patients with CP
15. FIVE AIMS WHEN WORKING WITH PEOPLE WITH
CP
1. Reducing musculoskeletal impairments to improve function
and quality of life
2. Enabling children to function optimally given their existing
impairments
3. Preventing or limiting development of secondary
implications
4. Altering the natural course of the disorder
5. Promoting wellness and fitness over the life span
Attention must also be given to the psychological and
social development of people with CP.