Cerebral Palsy and its Treatment
By: Mark MonteiroTotal Views: 179, Word Count: 526,
Cerebral palsy is defined as a health condition where there is a lack of muscle control in the brain. Cerebral palsy is where all the brain cell types would need repair. This condition is often considered a complex disease. Nearly 90 percent of all cases are during the prenatal period, mainly before labor begins. Though there maybe no exact cure for cerebral palsy, but treatment for the same is possible.
Causes for cerebral palsy-
1) Cerebral palsy is mainly caused due to damaged brain cells that control the movement of muscles. Cerebral palsy is mostly linked to factors affecting the brain before birth.
2) In more than 50 percent cases, this condition is known to occur from events before birth that can upset normal developments of the brain.
3) This health condition is mainly the result of injury to the brain during pregnancy, birth or shortly after birth. It is difficult to notice the symptoms of cerebral palsy at birth.
4) Lack of oxygen during the birth process is also known to be a cause for cerebral palsy.
5) Cerebral palsy can also be due to lead poisoning, head injuries and viral infections which occur during the early stages in ones life.
Types of cerebral palsy-
Acquired cerebral palsy: Acquired cerebral palsy is mainly due to viral infections, head injuries and lead poisoning which occur during the early stages in ones life. This is a less common condition.
Spastic cerebral palsy: Spastic cerebral palsy is where there is too much muscle tone. This is the most common type of the cerebral palsy. During spastic cerebral palsy the muscles become tensed and contract with each other.
Ataxic cerebral palsy: This type of cerebral palsy affects the sense of balance and depth perception. Individuals who suffer from ataxic cerebral palsy are known to be unsteady and shaky.
Symptoms of cerebral palsy-
1) Difficulty in eating
2) Breathing problems
3) Bladder and bowel control problems
4) Learning disabilities
5) Stiffness in the joints
6) Dysarthria
Treatment for cerebral palsy-
1) The treatment in regard to cerebral palsy has to be planned in advance. The treatment mainly aims at minimizing the discomfort, pain, maximizing and co-ordinating movement. It also aims to prevent long term complications.
2) Activities such as sitting, walking, dressing up, and feeding oneself allow individuals to use their limbs in an efficient manner.
3) Medications are administered to patients to help ease out rigid muscles and limit tremors to an extent.
4) Surgical procedures are also known to help in some cases. Surgery ensures better bone placement and also aids in reducing symptoms which are associated with spastic cerebral palsy. Surgery however should be the last procedure when no other procedure is helpful.
5) Devices and gadgets such as communications devices walkers, scooters, tricycles, and wheelchairs are also put to use to provide support.
One should remember that cerebral palsy is not a progressive condition. Cerebral palsy is a chronic or a long lasting condition. Disabilities which are associated with cerebral palsy can be reduced with early treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Monteiro is graduated from the Hazard University and done his MBA from the he University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Currently he is working as general physician at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health. For over 15 years he has been a pioneer in the field of physician health. He has contributed to the treatment of many diseases like- ASTHMA, TUBERCULOSIS, HIV, HEPATITIS AND ITS TREATMENT.
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