Facts About Cerebral Palsy

While some instances of cerebral palsy are associated with infections or brain injuries that occur during the baby's first weeks of life, the majority of cases are theorized to result from what happens to a baby before it is even born. The reason a child develops cerebral palsy isn't always clear, but possible factors include the mother coming down with German measles while pregnant or being exposed to parasites that are found in cat feces and known as toxoplasmosis. These infections, as well as others that occur before the birth of the baby, can lead to cerebral palsy. Other potential causes of this affliction include lack of oxygen to the brain as the child is born; meningitis and viral encephalitis (diseases that make the brain swell); strokes; poor brain development; and severe cases of untreated jaundice.

A wide range of symptoms are associated with cerebral palsy. The term "ataxia" is applied to a lack of muscular coordination a person experienced when trying to do something; this is a classic sign of cerebral palsy. Stiff muscles, dragging one one leg or foot while walking, and drooling or problems swallowing are other cerebral palsy symptoms. Tremors can occur, and activities (such as writing) that require exact movements can be hard to accomplish. The muscles can be "floppy" as they are weakened, or become stiff. Cerebral-palsy symptoms do not worsen with age: They remain about the same throughout the person's life.

These symptoms can lead to a host of complications. When a child's muscles pull taut, it can cause the bones in the arms and legs to curl inward, deforming them. Malnutrition is a very real threat when the simple act of swallowing food becomes too difficult to perform due to cerebral palsy. Vision, speech and hearing irregularities are common, as are frequent dental troubles. Urinary incontinence is another effect that can go hand-in-hand with cerebral palsy. In addition, many children who are diagnosed with cerebral palsy become mentally retarded and/or experience seizures.

Children who have cerebral palsy will in many cases need long-term care. Depending on the severity of symptoms, there are various options for treatment. Medications such as muscle relaxants and Botox can lessen tightened and stiff muscles, but come with side effects like sleepiness and nausea. Physical therapy can help encourage flexibility, motor-skill development and balance. Braces can aid walking and stretch out stiff muscles. Therapy may allow the individual to speak more clearly or even use sign language. Surgery may be necessary when a child has terrible deformities that do not allow him to function.

Cerebral palsy cannot be prevented in many cases, but there are steps a pregnant woman can take to lessen the chances of her child being a victim of the condition. All prospective mothers need to be immunized against German measles, which is also known as rubella. Living a healthy lifestyle while pregnant will ward off possible infections that could have dire consequences for the unborn child. Seeing a doctor regularly while pregnant can head off potential problems such as premature birth or low birth weight, which are often factors in the development of cerebral palsy.