Cerebral Palsy

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Cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture. It is caused by damage to the developing, immature brain, which usually occurs before birth.

The term "cerebral" refers to the cerebrum of the brain, which is the part of the brain that controls motor function. The term "palsy" refers to the paralysis of voluntary movement in specific parts of the body.

Symptoms

Symptoms and signs appear during childhood or preschool. In general, cerebral palsy causes impaired movement that is characterised by exaggerated reflexes, floppiness or spasticity of the limbs and trunk, unusual posture, involuntary movements, unsteady walking, or some combination of these symptoms.

Types

The location of the brain injury distinguishes the various types of cerebral palsy. Symptoms vary according to where and how badly the brain was damaged.

Cerebral palsy comes in several forms, including:

  • Ataxic cerebral palsy: Cerebellar damage causes problems with motor control and movement in this type.
  • Athetoid/dyskinetic cerebral palsy: Damage to the basal ganglia and/or the cerebellum causes symptoms such as fluctuating muscle tone and involuntary movements.
  • Hypotonic cerebral palsy:This uncommon condition, also caused by cerebellar damage, is distinguished by floppy muscles, excessive flexibility, and poor mobility.
  • Spastic cerebral palsy: The most common type of cerebral palsy, characterized by tight muscles and jerking movements and caused by damage to the motor cortex or pyramidal tracts.
  • Mixed cerebral palsy: Patients with multiple areas of brain damage may have more than one type of cerebral palsy.

Causes

The following are some of the most common causes of cerebral palsy:

  • Bacterial and viral infections such as meningitis
  • Bleeding in the brain (hemorrhaging)
  • Head injuries sustained during birth or within the first few years of infancy
  • Lack of oxygen to the brain (asphyxia) before, during, or after birth
  • Prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol
  • Prenatal exposure to raw/undercooked meat or fish


vectors by Freepick; graphic design by Vadot

Congenital cerebral palsy vs. Acquired cerebral palsy

According to the CDC, the vast majority of cerebral palsy cases — 85 to 90 percent — are congenital. This means they are caused by brain damage or atypical brain development before, during, or during the first month of life.

Acquired cerebral palsy refers to cases that develop later in life. Injury and infection are two of the most common causes of acquired cerebral palsy.

Reference:

Cerebral palsy - Symptoms and causes. (2021). Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cerebral-palsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20353999

‌Cerebral Palsy Guide. (2023, February 2). Cerebral Palsy - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Cerebral Palsy Guide. https://www.cerebralpalsyguide.com/cerebral-palsy/

Lights, V. (2018, August 17). Cerebral Palsy. Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/cerebral-palsy#classifications

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