CEREBRAL PALSY (CP)

CP is an umbrella term

CP refers to a group of disorders affecting a person’s ability to move.

What is Cerebral Palsy (CP)?

CP affects the following:muscle tone movementmotor skills (the ability to move in a

coordinated and purposeful way)

ce•re•bral / of the brain

pal•sy / lack of muscle control

Cerebral palsy is …

… the most common physical disabilityin childhood.

All persons with cerebral palsy developed it while the brain was under development.

80% of all cases occur before the baby is 1 month old

It is a non-progressive disorder (it does not get worse)

Risk factors for cerebral palsy

Premature (early) birth Low birth weight Inability of the placenta to provide the developing fetus with

adequate oxygen and nutrients due to abnormalities of the placenta

RH or A-B-O blood type incompatibility between mother and infant Bacterial infection of the mother, fetus or infant that directly or

indirectly attack the infant’s brain Prolonged low oxygen delivery to the baby during the birthing

process Severe jaundice shortly after birth An infant being distress to the extent that an emergency caesarean

delivery is needed Newborn low blood sugar Multiple fetuses (e.g. twins, triplets…)

CAUSES

Caused by damage to the developing brain either during pregnancy or shortly after birth.

POSSIBLE CAUSESlead poisoning, bacterial meningitis, malnutrition, being shaken as an infant (shaken baby

syndrome),being in a car accident while not properly

restrained.

SHAKEN BABY SYNDROME

When someone forcefully shakes a baby, the child's head rotates about the neck uncontrollably because a baby’s neck muscles aren't well developed and provide little support. Violent movement pitches the infant's brain back and forth within the skull, sometimes rupturing blood vessels and nerves throughout the brain and tearing the brain tissue. The brain may strike the inside of the skull, causing bruising and bleeding to the brain.

CAN CP BE CURED?

There is currently no cure, but treatment, therapy, special equipment, and, in some cases, surgery can help a child who is living with the condition.