Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
You may already know that cerebral palsy affects thousands of newborns across America due to medical malpractice or natural causes. But you may be wondering how you would know if your child may seem healthy but is actually developing cerebral palsy in the first couple years of life. When an infant or child endures brain damage they are several symptoms that can can signal to you and your doctors that something may be wrong with your child's health. In the first few months after being born, an infant with brain damage may show some or all of the following symptoms which may indicate the development of cerebral palsy and other disabilities:
- Lack of alertness
- Constant rirritability or fussiness
- Abnormal, high-pitched cry
- Shaking of the arms and legs
- Poor feeding abilities, problems sucking and swallowing
- Low muscle tone
Once you child reaches six months of age, it should becomes apparent as to whether he or she is picking up basic movement skills or learning slower than normal. Infants with cerebral palsy develop physically and mentally slower. Simple activities like rolling over, sitting up, crawling, walking and talking may prove difficult for your child if they are developing, or already have cerebral palsy.
Why Would There be a Delay in Diagnosis?
In certain cases, doctors may delay in diagnosing a child with cerebral palsy. This is due in part to the fact that the disability lies in the plasticity of a child's central nervous system and it's difficult to determine how able a child is ability to recover from any trauma he or she may have encountered during delivery. It is also hard to tell the amount of brain damage that has occured in the first few months of life. It has been proven that the brains of very young children can repair themselves easier and faster than those of adults.
This is why it is so important that whether your delivery has no complications and your child seems healthy, you see your doctor regularly to have you child's health checked. Cerebral palsy can only be diagnosed with a complete exam of your child's current health status. During an exam your child's motor skills will be analyzed and the doctor will look for abnormal movements, lower than average muscle tone, and other developmental delays.
Newborns and Cerebral Palsy
Every expecting mother worries about the health of their child during pregnancy and there's nothing more important to the majority of parents than having a healthy baby. However, due to certain circumstances, sometimes beyond our control and other times the result of medical malpractice, babies are born with brain injuries and other health complications that can lead to cerebral palsy and other disabilities. As a result, newborns can develop life altering impairments for which they may have to receive life long treatment for, since in the case of cerebral palsy there is no cure.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that negatively impacts the central nervous system in the body of newborns. The disability can even develop in a child in their first two years of life due to complications during birth. Cerebral palsy causes damage to the cerebrum, which is the part of the brain that is mainly largely responsible for our overall motor function as human beings.
Those who have cerebral palsy often encounter a symptom known as spasticity. Spasticity is when there is an increase in muscle tone and a contraction occurs that interferes with the body's normal movement. This symptom of cerebral palsy can affect any part of the body from a single limb to the entire body.
Some other symptoms of cerebral palsy are:
- Seizures
- Hearing and vision deficits
- Learning disabilities
- Lack of muscle coordination
- Flacid muscle tone
Although there is no way to cure cerebral palsy in newborns or as they age, there are many ways to treat the disability so those affected can lead somewhat normal lives. Above all, it is important to take the right steps toward proper health care during and after pregnancy to ensure your infant isn't affected by this life-changing disability.
Promising Treatment for Rare Cerebral Palsy Type
Dystonia-choreoathetosis affects approximately 10 percent of all cerebral palsy patients and it is notoriously difficult to treat. However, a new study by French researchers shows promise for treating this form of cerebral palsy.
Using what is known as bilateral pallidal deep brain stimulation (BP-DBS), researchers were able to improve motor symptoms in 8 out of 13 cerebral palsy patients who participated in the trial. Improvement in motor functioning was based on a movement rating scale and ranged from 21 to 55 percent, with an average of 24.4 percent. The researchers also found that the deep brain stimulation helped to reduce pain.
Deep brain stimulation involves the use of an implantable device that operates similar to a pacemaker. Whereas a pacemaker uses electrical currents to help regulate heartbeat, deep brain stimulation uses electrical impulses to help the brain control movement in the body.
Although the initial results are promising, researchers made sure to point out that the study was small and additional research is necessary – particularly with regard to treating cerebral palsy symptoms in children.
Today Show to Feature Story on Robotics for Cerebral Palsy
On Thursday, July 2nd, the Today Show will feature a story on the robotics research being conducted to improve the lives of children and adults with cerebral palsy. For the segment, the show visited the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and the Blythedale Children’s Hospital. The show will specifically focus on how robots can be used to improve cerebral palsy symptoms in the arms and legs.
The Today Show runs from 7 to 11 a.m. ET on NBC, but the segment may be available on the show’s website after it airs.
Mental Health and the Cerebral Palsy Child
Nearly 14 percent of children in America have some kind of special health care needs, including those who are affected by cerebral palsy. Though it is not often talked about, kids with cerebral palsy symptoms and other special needs sometimes suffer from mental health problems in addition to their physical impairments. Early intervention can reduce the impact of such problems in children, and there are a number of resources parents can take advantage of to help their child.
In fact, the National Child Care Information and Technical Assistance Center has a listing of national and state resources for supporting the mental health needs of young children. Find a resource near you by visiting the NCCIC website today.
Honda Introduces Mobility Devices
In April, Honda introduced two walking devices designed to assist people with weakened leg muscles and other mobility challenges. Though the devices are still in the testing phase, they seem to hold promise for individuals whose mobility is impaired by cerebral palsy symptoms.
The Stride Management Assist and the Bodyweight Support Assist are both lightweight, wearable walking devices that rely on computer sensors to obtain information about the user’s stride and pace.
This information is then used by the device to apply “cooperative control” – in other words, to make calculated adjustments so that walking is easier. The second device, however, is also designed to support some of the user’s bodyweight and reduce pressure on the leg joints during physically strenuous activities.
Honda is applying for patents for both devices and is still working to ensure that they are effective in real-world situations.
Improving Cerebral Palsy Symptoms with Lokomat Therapy
Intensive locomotion therapy is a relatively new area of research in treating cerebral palsy symptoms in children, and clinical studies involving the Pediatric Lokomat® have so far shown positive results.
What is the Pediatric Lokomat?
The Pediatric Lokomat is essentially a robotic treadmill training device. Unlike manual treadmill training that requires the assistance of a physical therapist, the Pediatric Lokomat uses robotic gait orthoses and harnesses to guide a child through the session. The device monitors the patient’s movements and can be adjusted to meet individual needs.
The Pediatric Lokomat is appropriate for children over the age of four with cerebral palsy and other gait-impaired patients.
Clinical research projects involving the Pediatric Lokomat can be found at various hospitals across the United States. Your child’s medical providers may be able to provide you more information regarding this particular type of therapy.
Summer is the Perfect Time for Aquatic Therapy
Now that the weather is warming up, it’s the perfect time to think about aquatic therapy. There are many benefits to aquatic therapy for people of all ages and abilities, but it is particularly beneficial for helping children manage their cerebral palsy symptoms in a fun and active way.
What is Aquatic Therapy?
Essentially, aquatic therapy involves any type of cardiovascular or conditioning exercises that are done in the water – usually an indoor or outdoor pool. Aquatic therapy is naturally low impact and the buoyancy of the water serves as a support for weakened limbs and other body parts. For children with cerebral palsy, the benefits of aquatic therapy include:
- Improved muscle strength and tone
- Improved self-esteem
- Increased flexibility, balance and coordination
In addition, aquatic therapy provides a source of recreation and socialization for kids with cerebral palsy. And it’s not necessary for the child to know how to swim since therapy can be done in shallow water or with the use of flotation devices. There are also assistive technologies that make water activities more accessible to people with disabilities. Visit ABLEDATA to see a list of assistive devices.
Robot Therapy Shows Promise for Improving CP Symptoms
Engineers at MIT are finding that robot-based therapy can aid limb movement in children affected by cerebral palsy symptoms. Previous research has focused on how robotics can assist adults who have suffered stroke, but scientist Hermano Igo Krebs and colleagues wanted to test the therapy on children, whose brains are more impressionable.
Right now research is focused on using robotics to help children with cerebral palsy reach and grasp objects. According to the researchers, the robotic treatments are able to accomplish a couple of things:
- To reduce impairment
- To enable and create neural connections
One in 278 children in the United States has cerebral palsy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and research into treatments is ongoing.
Erb's Palsy vs. Cerebral Palsy
Palsy is a term that generally refers to paralysis of some sort. There are several different types of palsy, two of which are sometimes caused by medical malpractice. These two types of palsy are cerebral palsy and Erb’s palsy.
What is cerebral palsy? Thousands of babies are born each year with cerebral palsy, which is actually not a single condition but rather a group of disorders that affect muscle movement and coordination. The precise diagnosis depends on the areas of the body that are affected and how they are affected, but the different types of cerebral palsy include:
- Spastic
- Athetoid
- Ataxic
- Mixed
Cerebral palsy is sometimes accompanied by seizures, mental retardation, vision problems and other health issues. Though it is not a progressive condition (meaning it does not worsen over time), cerebral palsy does not have a cure. Consequently, doctors primarily aim to manage the symptoms with physical therapy, orthopedic devices, occupational therapy and other innovative treatments.
What is Erb’s palsy? Erb’s palsy is a type of injury to the brachial plexus, which is a group of nerves that run from the neck down the arm and into the hand. Brachial plexus injuries often occur during difficult deliveries – for instance, when an infant’s shoulders have to be forced out of the birth canal. In such cases, a nerve in the brachial plexus can be stretched or torn and this may result in paralysis of the upper arm, both the upper and lower arm, or the hand.
Brachial plexus injuries like Erb’s palsy sometimes heal on their own. However, in severe cases, surgery is required for a full recovery. In other cases, the damage may be permanent.
It’s best to seek the expert advice of a medical malpractice attorney if you think negligence caused your child to develop Erb’s or cerebral palsy after birth. A medical lawyer can determine whether you’re eligible for compensation.
No Barriers Festival Next Month!
From June 4th through June 7th, people from all across the country will converge on Miami, Florida to participate in the No Barriers Festival – an event that seeks to inspire individuals to overcome their personal challenges.
Who’s Invited?
Everyone is welcome to participate in the festival. In fact, one of the main goals of the event to encourage interaction between athletes, manufacturers, individuals with disability (including those struggling with cerebral palsy symptoms) and anyone who wants to live a more active life.
Where?
The No Barriers Festival will be held at Shake-A-Leg Miami, an inclusive community-based center where children and adults with physical, developmental and financial challenges can go to participate in aquatic sports and activities.
Learn More
To learn more about the No Barriers Festival, visit No Barriers USA or Shake-A-Leg Miami.
Does Your Child's Brace Fit Properly?
Ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) are types of braces commonly used to treat certain cerebral palsy symptoms – for instance, AFOs may be used to support weak limbs or they may be used to hold contracted muscles in a normal position.
Fit is everything when it comes to AFOs. In fact, achieving optimal results depends on the proper fit and alignment of the brace. But how, as a parent, can you determine whether or not your child’s brace fits properly? Registered Orthotic Assistant and Certified Fitter of Orthotics, Loretta Sheldon, answers this question in a new article on eParent.com.
In the article, Sheldon provides a number of tips and things to look for when evaluating the fit of your child’s brace, including:
- The space between the heel and the heel cup
- Toe length and extra room for growth
- Brace height and width
Sheldon also discusses brace habituation (adjusting to wear) and working with your clinician. If an AFO has been recommended for your child, this article will prove a helpful resource.
Cerebral Palsy Symptom Eased with Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep brain stimulation appears to ease a common cerebral palsy symptom in young patients, according to a small-scale analysis of patients treated at Cook Children’s Hospital in Texas. The symptom, known as dystonia, is characterized by uncontrollable and sometimes painful muscle contractions.
Deep brain stimulation involves the implantation of a device that sends electrical impulses to certain areas of the brain. The treatment, which has few side effects, has already been shown to have therapeutic benefits for treating dystonia symptoms in adults. However, this new study suggests that young cerebral palsy patients may benefit as well.
“The younger patients do better, probably because the older patients have more fixed orthopedic impairment,” said Dr. Warren A. Marks. He added that most improvement is seen in the arms and that no patient has been able to walk if they were previously unable to.
The study findings are based on the evaluation of seven cerebral palsy patients from age eight to 26 who were followed after the deep brain stimulation for six months to a year. Researchers noted that more extensive studies need to be conducted. They also noted that the results pertain only to treating dystonia and not spasticity, which is another common cerebral palsy symptom.
Botox Warning Issued for Treating CP Symptoms in Children
Food and Drug Administration officials are warning about potentially fatal side effects associated with the use of Botox for treating muscle spasticity, particularly in children with this cerebral palsy symptom. Children with spastic cerebral palsy are sometimes treated with Botox, though the drug is not approved in the U.S. for this use.
The FDA said in a statement that some children given Botox for muscle spasticity have experienced symptoms of botulism. In some cases the symptoms have led to hospitalization and even death, according to the FDA.
Botulism symptoms may occur when the toxin spreads from the site of injection and include:
- Loss of muscle strength
- Difficulty speaking or hoarseness
- Vision problems
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Loss of bladder control
The agency is now requiring a bold black box warning on the labels of Botox and related botulinum toxin products. Parents of children with cerebral palsy who have questions or concerns about the risks associated with Botox should discuss this new warning with their physicians.
Apple's Big Mistake: The 'Baby Shaker' Application
There has been an uproar surrounding the “Baby Shaker” application on the new Apple iPhone and rightfully so. The 99 cent application, which was removed from Apple’s online store amid the controversy, allowed users to virtually shake a crying baby into silence – and death.
Unfortunately for Apple, shaking babies is no joking matter. In fact, Shaken Baby Syndrome affects more than 1,000 babies each year in the United States and is the result of violent shaking, usually by an exasperated parent or caregiver. Infants are particularly vulnerable to shaking, and this kind of violence can cause severe brain damage, cerebral palsy symptoms and other lifelong disabilities.
Child abuse is a matter that should always be taken seriously, and though Apple has offered an apology for the application, we can only hope that the company has also learned an important lesson.
Overcoming Cerebral Palsy Symptoms: Check out an Abilities Expo near You
Abilities Expo is a vast tradeshow geared at improving the lives of people with disabilities and those who care for them. For individuals with mild to severe cerebral palsy symptoms, the show offers a peek at some of the latest cutting-edge technology as well as seminars and workshops that address a variety of disability issues.
The Abilities Expo is a 3-day event that will take place in:
- The New York metro area from April 17-19
- Southern California from May 29-31
- Chicago from June 25-27
- Atlanta from November 5-7
Admission to the event is free and visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about wheelchairs and other assistive technologies, travel services, daily living aids, home medical equipment, legal services and much more. In addition, the show will feature a family-oriented seminar and other special events.
To register for a show near you, visit the Abilities Expo website.
Botox: Cerebral Palsy Treatment for Hip Dislocation?
Botox is sometimes used to reduce muscle spasticity, a rather common cerebral palsy symptom. But research suggests that it may also help reduce the risk of hip dislocation, which is a problem in some children with cerebral palsy.
Traditionally braces have been used to prevent hip dislocation, but one study compared the use of braces to the use of Botox injections in 16 patients between 9 months and 4 years of age. According to the researchers, some of the patients benefitted from the Botox injections. However, the authors add that more extensive studies need to be done.
If your child has cerebral palsy, you may wish to talk to your doctor about the risk of hip dislocation. Each child is unique, so the treatment options for your child will depend on his or her particular circumstances.
Online Seminar to Focus on Dealing with a Seizure Emergency
Seizures often affect children with developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy. If your child has this cerebral palsy symptom, you might be interested in a live online seminar taking place on May 19th from 7:00-9:00 PM EDT.
The seminar will discuss developing a seizure readiness plan, among other things, and is geared toward parents, teachers, nurses, caregivers, emergency responders and anyone else who works with children affected by seizure disorders.
Dr. Orrin Devinsky, Professor of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, will be speaking. The event is free and registration is ongoing at www.epliveonlinc.com.
Vision Loss in Children with Cerebral Palsy
According to My Child without Limits, nearly two-thirds of children with developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation and epilepsy also suffer from vision loss. The more severe the visual impairment, the more likely are additional health complications and delayed learning.
However, there is training and therapy available. If your child suffers from this particular cerebral palsy symptom, you may want to look into the following resources:
Family Connect, a site for parents of children with visual impairments
American Association of Pediatric Opthamology and Strabismus - AAPOS
Prevent Blindness America - Children's page
United Cerebral Palsy, My Child without Limits and the Easter Seals are additional organizations that may be able to assist you in your search for vision impairment resources.
Senate: March 25, 2009 is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day
On March 24th, the United States Senate designated March 25, 2009 as National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. Support for the measure was led by Senator Arlen Specter.
Now is a great time to celebrate by learning more about cerebral palsy symptoms. You may also wish you check out the website for the United Cerebral Palsy affiliate in your area to find out ways to raise awareness.
UCP Supports Inclusive Home Design Act
The national disability advocacy organization United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is one of more than 20 groups coming together to support the much needed Inclusive Home Design Act. The Act is designed to increase accessibility in homes built with federal assistance.
Parents of children with severe cerebral palsy symptoms or other mobility issues know all too well the difficulties associated with finding accessible (and affordable) homes. Less than five percent of new homes built with federal assistance include features aimed at making them more accessible for people with mobility impairments to visit and live in.
The Inclusive Home Design Act seeks to change that by increasing the number of accessible homes built with federal money.
“Universal standards for homes built with federal money are long past due. Implementing accessible features when homes are built is a simple matter of fairness, cost effectiveness and common sense,” said Rep. Jan Schakowsky of Illinois, who introduced the legislation.
Accessible Features
If passed, the legislation will only affect new homes and will not cover renovations to existing homes. The bill will also require that new homes also meet a number of accessibility criteria, including:
- Widen doorways on the main floor for a greater space of passage
- Feature at least one “zero step” entryway and one wheelchair accessible bathroom on the ground floor
- Make controls for lighting and temperature reachable from wheelchair heights
Such modifications are relatively inexpensive (usually less than a few hundred dollars) when done at the time the house is built, as opposed to making renovations at a later point, which can cost upwards of several thousand.
Some states and cities have already adopted inclusive housing standards: Texas, Vermont, Kansas and certain cities in Illinois and Arizona.
Drugs Used for CP Symptom Linked to Heart Risk
One of the conditions often associated with cerebral palsy is seizures. Seizures are commonly prevented using one of two medications, both of which are classified as anticonvulsants and both of which have recently been linked to heart risks: phenytoin (Dilantin®) or carbamazepine (Tegetrol® and Carbatrol®).
Dilantin was first used in 1938 and has since been the most widely used anticonvulsant in the United States, while Tegetrol is more popular globally. However, researchers have linked these two anticonvulsants with increased levels of cholesterol and other markers of heart disease – a problem not found in patients taking the newer anti-seizure drugs levetiracetam (Keppra®) and lamotrigine (Lamictal®).
If your child experiences seizures as a cerebral palsy symptom, you may wish to talk to your doctor about the significance of this new study which is published online in the Annals of Neurology.
When Is It Too Late To Sue for a Birth Injury?
When is it too late to sue for a birth injury? – This is a question being debated in a case in the United Kingdom. The case involves a man, now 34, who is seeking damages for injuries suffered due to oxygen deprivation at birth.
In the U.K., individuals may sue for damages up until the age of 21 and this particular case is unique in that the man is filing his case well beyond the legal time limit. His claim, however, is that he was once able to live a relatively normal life whereas his condition has now deteriorated to a point where he requires extensive care.
Shorter Time Limits in the U.S.
In the United States, the statute of limitations (which restricts the amount of time individuals have to file suit) is generally much shorter – usually between one and three years from the time of the injury or the time it was discovered. These time limits are strict and exceptions are rarely made.
It has yet to be determined whether an exception will be made in the case in the U.K. If so, the case would likely be built on faded memories since medical records are usually destroyed after so long a period of time. For this and other reasons, the case raises interesting questions about statutes of limitations on birth injury claims. And not just in the U.K., but in the U.S. as well.
Birth injury claims may involve conditions like cerebral palsy and brachial plexus palsy. Parents who notice cerebral palsy symptoms in their child after a traumatic birth may wish to consult a medical lawyer. A claim against a negligent doctor is viable only if filed within the relevant statute of limitations.
Article Outlines Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
The son of British opposition leader David Cameron recently died. The 6-year-old boy had cerebral palsy and a rare seizure disorder. His death has prompted many questions about cerebral palsy symptoms and causes, and the Associated Press published an article outlining the some basic information about the condition.
Among some of the facts highlighted in the article are:
Cerebral palsy affects approximately one in 500 babies born each year in the United States.
The condition affects the entire body in about 80 percent of cases.
It is often diagnosed in infancy or early childhood.
Symptoms include developmental delays such as difficulty rolling over, sitting, crawling and walking.
Associated conditions include mental retardation, vision impairment, breathing problems and skeletal deformities.
To learn more about cerebral palsy symptoms and other facts, you can access this Associated Press article.
Cerebral Palsy Awareness: Know the Signs & Symptoms
Cerebral palsy is often not diagnosed until a child reaches one year of age or later, and many parents may not be aware of the signs and symptoms associated with this condition – which affects thousands of babies born in the U.S. each year.
One of the main signs that a child might have cerebral palsy is motor (or movement) delays. A list of other signs and symptoms parents should look out for can be found on the Reaching for the Stars (RFTS) website.
RFTS is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering research efforts for the prevention and treatment of cerebral palsy. In addition to the information sheet on cerebral palsy symptoms, the site has a number of other helpful resources as well as opportunities for advocacy.
See Also: Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
Study: New Compounds May Reduce Cerebral Palsy Risk
Researchers at Northwestern University have made a possible breakthrough in cerebral palsy prevention—they say two new compounds they developed may be effective in preventing the condition, which affects one to two out of every 1,000 babies born each year in the United States.
The compounds inhibit the neurotransmitter nitric oxide, a brain enzyme that is suspected of playing a role in the development of cerebral palsy. Studies have shown that high levels of the enzyme cause damage to brain tissue, so the researchers think controlling levels of nitric oxide might be key.
The Findings
Animals in the study were treated with one of the two compounds, or they received no treatment at all. Those that received treatment with one of the compounds did significantly better than those that did not. In fact:
- 83% of fetuses born to an animal treated with the first compound showed no cerebral palsy symptoms
- 69% of fetuses born to an animal with the other compound displayed no symptoms of cerebral palsy
- There were no deaths in fetuses born to animals treated with one of the two compounds.
Comparatively, more than 50% of fetuses born to untreated animals died.
“The results are just stunning, absolutely amazing,” said Richard B. Silverman, lead author of the study.
The findings are published online in Annals of Neurology.
See also: Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
Tweet thisPica: What Do You Know about This Cerebral Palsy Symptom?
Pica occurs in some kids as a cerebral palsy symptom and is characterized by the persistent eating of non-food substances such as dirt, stones, paint or paper. The condition is often a distressing one for parents and caregivers, who necessarily worry about the health effects of such behavior.
Children with developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy or mental retardation are more likely to develop pica because of an inability to distinguish between food and non-food substances. It’s not preventable, but it may be treated – or at least managed – with behavior therapy.
Until the problem has been eliminated, parents should monitor their child and have testing done to check for complications such as lead or other kind of poisoning, intestinal or digestive issues, nutritional deficiencies and infection.
Read more about pica here or talk to your child’s primary care physician about possible treatment options.
Study Shows Braces Help Reduce Symptoms of Diplegic Cerebral Palsy
The use of orthotic devices such as braces have been shown to improve cerebral palsy symptoms in children with diplegia, but little evidence shows whether certain braces are better than others. That’s why researchers decided to develop a study comparing the effectiveness of two different types of braces: hinged vs. dynamic-ankle foot orthoses.
Study Results
The study, which is published in the Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, involved 15 children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy and specifically sought to determine whether one type of brace was more effective at improving gait and motor function than the other.
The results showed that both types of braces led to significant improvements in gait and there was little difference between the two in this regard. However, neither of the braces seemed to have a significant impact on motor functioning.
A Brief Word on Orthotics
Orthotics are intended to support weak muscles and reduce the risk of joint deformity, and orthotics vary according to the area in need of support. If you have questions about whether an orthotic device is right for your child, contact your primary care physician and ask for a referral to a pediatric orthopedic specialist.
See Also: Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
Recognizing the Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a congenital disorder which affects muscle tone, motor skills and movement, and can lead to learning disabilities as well as difficulty with hearing, vision, and speech. The disorder is most often caused by a brain injury sustained before or during childbirth, and can quite often be attributed to medical malpractice. Sometimes diagnosis is made shortly after birth, but it’s not always obvious right away. That’s why it’s so important for parents to be able to recognize cerebral palsy symptoms in their child early, so that treatment can be sought and justice can be served.
Signs that your child may suffer from Cerebral Palsy vary in severity and can include:
- Delay in normal development (such as an infant not reaching for toys or sitting up at the appropriate milestones)
- Difficulty with fine motor skills (such as writing or using a pair of scissors)
- Inability to maintain balance while standing or walking
- Involuntary movements (such as uncontrollable hand motions or drooling
Medical malpractice comes into play in many of these cases because CP is often caused when a doctor makes a critical error before or during childbirth.
If you recognize one or more of these cerebral palsy symptoms in your child, discuss your concerns with your pediatrician. And if by chance the diagnosis is positive, seek the advice of a medical attorney right away.
Answering the Question 'What Is Cerebral Palsy?'
There is a common misconception that cerebral palsy is a single disorder, but it’s actually a group of disorders. Understanding exactly what cerebral palsy is – the different types and their symptoms – can help families to better help their loved ones. Listed below are five excellent resources that provide detailed answers to the question ‘What is cerebral palsy?’
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) – The Cerebral Palsy Information Page describes cerebral palsy, as well as its treatment and prognosis. Also provided is information on research and clinical trials.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – The site’s page on cerebral palsy not only discusses what cerebral palsy is, but also addresses specific topics such as prevention, awareness and additional resources.
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) – This site features a page entitled Cerebral Palsy Facts & Figures, which answers the question ‘What is cerebral palsy’ and then provides information regarding the history of the condition, its causes, effects and symptoms.
The March of Dimes – This site offers a Quick Reference Fact Sheet on cerebral palsy, which provides basic information on the prevalence of cerebral palsy, as well as the different types, causes and treatment of the condition.
MedlinePlus – This site is a service of the National Institutes of Health and it offers a brief description of what cerebral palsy is and also provides links to news, articles and more comprehensive resources.
Managing CP Symptoms with Holistic Therapies
Many families are familiar with the traditional treatments used to manage cerebral palsy symptoms, such as surgery, medication and physical therapy. However, some families are turning to holistic therapies to help alleviate the symptoms their child experiences.
While it is important to remember that each child is unique and will respond differently to different therapies, some holistic alternatives parents may wish to consider include:
- Acupuncture – This is a non-painful form of ancient Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of extremely fine needles at various points on the body to relieve pain. Studies involving acupuncture and cerebral palsy have shown that some children who received this therapy experienced a marked improvement with regard to their individual symptoms.
- Reflexology and massage therapy – Massage has a beneficial effect on the body for people with a wide range of conditions, including cerebral palsy.
- Biofeedback – Electromyograph (EMG) is an increasingly common form of biofeedback in which electrodes are used to measure muscle tension and relax tense muscles. It is sometimes used to alleviate the symptom of muscle spasticity in individuals with cerebral palsy.
- Nutritional awareness – Processed foods that are high in preservatives or additives may worsen your child’s cerebral palsy symptoms. Consulting a nutritionist may help you find foods that will not only lessen such symptoms, but also provide your child with other health benefits.
Other alternative therapies that may help to ease your child’s cerebral palsy symptoms include: yoga, which can help with movement; sensory integration, which is used to stimulate the senses and help children to interact better with their environment; and listening/music programs, which have been effective in improving auditory processing and communication skills.
Of course, alternative therapies such as these are not necessarily intended to replace a child’s traditional medical care. However, many families are beginning to take a more integrated approach to treatment, incorporating both traditional and alternative therapies.
See also: What is Cerebral Palsy
Tweet thisCerebral Palsy Symptoms: Where to Look for information
Was wandering around the net and found the following Cerebral Palsy Symptoms articles. Most are from blogs with some personal experience with brain injury or cerebral palsy.
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What is cerebral palsy? - The term ‘cerebral palsy’ taken literally, is actually a complete misnomer. The term ‘cerebral’ means ‘of the brain,’ whereas the term ‘palsy’ means ...
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Defining Cerebral Palsy? - Cerebral palsy has many varied definitions, which have probably confused parents with their ambiguity, lack of clarity and complexity. I know when I first came across the term as a parent; I was confused by the varying definitions. ...
Study Tests HBOT for Easing Cerebral Palsy Symptoms
A federally funded study will test whether a controversial therapy known as HBOT (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) can help to ease symptoms of cerebral palsy. Forty-eight children with cerebral palsy will participate in study and receive the therapy for free at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.
Patients undergoing HBOT receive high concentrations of oxygen in a pressurized chamber. It’s believed that the high dose of oxygen can help revitalize damaged brain cells, which are at the root of cerebral palsy.
The therapy is already approved for use in individuals suffering from decompression sickness (the “bends”), carbon monoxide poisoning and radiation injuries. However, the use of HBOT in the treatment of neurological disorders like cerebral palsy is controversial.
Research has yet to prove the effectiveness of HBOT for easing the symptoms of cerebral palsy in kids, and this study may shed some light on whether it’s a therapy worth pursuing for this purpose.
Tweet thisDrug Shows Promise for Treating Cerebral Palsy Symptom
Drooling is a common symptom of cerebral palsy, affecting as many as one third of those diagnosed with the condition. Though a seemingly benign symptom that tends to improve with age, drooling can cause skin irritation as well as social and self-esteem issues in young cerebral palsy patients.
Now it appears as though there may soon be a possible drug treatment for drooling in children ages 3 to 18 with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders. A new drug known as glycopyrrolate, made by Sciele Pharma Inc., has shown promise in a recent clinical trial.
Patients who received the drug during a 24-week trial drooled significantly less than those who received a placebo. The reduced drooling, which was measured by parents and caregivers according to an accepted scale, was seen as early as eight weeks after the drug treatment began.
The drug is not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Sciele is expected to submit a completed New Drug Application to the agency by the end of the year.
Tweet thisCerebral Palsy Information and Symptoms: News from other Blogs
This week a few other Blog posts that you might find interesting form elsewhere.
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Video Game Therapy for Cerebral Palsy - An engineering student at the University of Toronto has designed a computer game for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. The purpose of the game is to get kids to engage the weaker side of their bodies. According to this article, ...
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Ashley’s Back - Well, it looks as though the Ashley Treatment is about to hit the headlines again. A quick trip thru the blogosphere suggests that no one else has mentioned this yet and maybe no one else cares. But I do. A mother has asked that her 15 ...
