Celebral Palsy

by | Nov 7, 2019 | Health Topics

–Written by Haziq

 

Definition

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder caused by immature brain and brain damaged that occur mostly before birth. This disease normally causing of uncontrolled movement and muscle tone or posture abnormality.

TYPE OF CEREBRAL PALSY

  1. Spastic cerebral palsy (targeted on muscle tone which causes abnormality on whole body muscle and body movement) which divided to spastic quadriplegia static diplegia and hemiplegia.
    1. Spastic quadriplegia- affect movement and stiffness on upper and lower limb muscle
    2. Spastic diplegia – mainly target on lower part of the body which causes impairment in movement and required rehabilitation divided like walker.
    3. Spastic hemiplegia- affect one side of the body.
  2. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy- cause of uncontrolled on movement which arise with repetitive, unpredictable and painful movement. Sometimes might cause in difficult swallowing.
  3. Ataxic cerebral palsy- poor balance and coordination.

Causes and risk factor 

  • Bleeding in the brain and interruption of oxygen supply to the brain tissue
  • Infection during pregnancy that causes the damage to white matter and abnormal development of the brain
  • Low birthweight and premature birth
  • Exposure to toxic substances
  • Genetic inheritance from parent
  • Jaundice

Diagnosis

Brain scans

To identify areas of damage or unusual development in the brain.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

  • scan uses radio waves and a magnetic field to produce detailed 3D or cross-sectional images of the child’s brain.
  • often identify lesions or abnormalities in your child’s brain.

Cranial ultrasound.

  • uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the brain.
  • provide a valuable preliminary assessment of the brain.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

  • records the electrical activity of your child’s brain. It’s common for there to be changes in normal brain wave patterns in epilepsy.

Laboratory tests

  • Tests on the blood, urine or skin might be used to screen for genetic or metabolic problems.Followed by some hearing, vision, speech, intellect and movement test to identify their severity of the condition.

Classification of CP

Mild – a child can move without any assistance; his or her daily activities are not limited.

Moderate – a child will need support/braces, medications, and adaptive technology to accomplish daily activities.

Severe – a child will require a wheelchair and will have significant challenges in accomplishing daily activities.

No CP – a child has Cerebral Palsy signs, but the impairment was acquired after completion of brain development and is therefore classified under the incident that caused the Cerebral Palsy, such as traumatic brain injury or encephalopathy.

 

Supplement

supplements that will boost brain function and help heal the body.

  1. Omega-3
  • In fish oil contains DHA which help on the development of brain function, regulate nerve growth which ultimately provide neuroprotective function and improved overall cognitive function of the kids. The DHA contained in omega 3 can help on joint inflammation.
  1. Calcium and Vitamin D
  • Calcium on strengthening up the bone and additional of vitamin D can ensure high potency and absorption of calcium into body which prevent calcium decomposition on blood vessel too.
  1. Magnesium
  • reduce spasticity and increase range of movement. It helps relax the muscles and promotes nerve function.
  • It is used in laxatives, heartburn and upset stomach medications to relieve constipation, relax the muscles in the digestive tract, and neutralize stomach acid.
  1. Vitamin C
  • potent in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and prevent oxidative stress.
  • Oxidative stress can cause or worsen depression and memory loss.
  • enhances the synthesis of norepinephrine, which is a neurotransmitter that improves focus and energy.
  • maintaining bone health because of its involvement in gene regulation that can influence bone development.
  1. Zinc
  • It promotes communication between neurons and regulates neurotransmitter activity, thus making the brain ease in learning and regulate moods.
  • can help boost their cognitive abilities and reduce sudden emotional changes.
  1. Vitamin B12
  • Vitamin B12 keeps nerve cells healthy.
  • Help to elevate mood, stress response, and prevent memory loss.

References

  1. Center of disease control and prevention, 11 Things to Know about Cerebral Palsy, retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/features/cerebral-palsy-11-things/index.html on 10 october 2019
  2. Mayo clinic, cerebral palsy retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cerebral-palsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20353999 on 10 october 2019
  3. Kidshealth from nemours, cerebral palsy retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/cerebral-palsy.html on 10 october 2019