Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of permanent movement disorders caused by non-progressive disturbances in the developing brain. Our Neurology Department is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and management for individuals with cerebral palsy, utilising a multidisciplinary approach to address the complex needs of each patient.

Cerebral palsy can affect muscle tone, coordination, and posture, often accompanied by other neurological and developmental challenges. Our team of experienced neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and other specialists work collaboratively to create personalised treatment plans that enhance mobility, improve functional abilities, and promote overall well-being.

Through advanced diagnostic techniques, innovative therapies, and compassionate care, we strive to help individuals with cerebral palsy achieve their fullest potential. Our commitment extends beyond medical treatment, offering support and resources for patients and their families to navigate the journey with cerebral palsy. At our Neurology Department, we are dedicated to empowering those with cerebral palsy to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

Understanding the causes of Cerebral Palsy is crucial for prevention, early detection, and intervention strategies.

Prenatal Factors:

• Genetic Mutations: Certain genetic mutations can interfere with normal brain development, leading to cerebral palsy.
• Maternal Infections:Infections such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, and herpes during pregnancy can affect fetal brain development.
  
• Exposure to Toxins: Prenatal exposure to toxins like methylmercury or certain medications can impact brain development.
  
• Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR):Poor growth of the fetus during pregnancy can result in underdeveloped organs, including the brain.
  

2. Perinatal Factors:

• Birth Asphyxia:Lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain during labor and delivery can cause brain damage, leading to cerebral palsy.
  
• Premature Birth: Babies born prematurely are at a higher risk of brain damage due to underdeveloped organs and systems, including the brain.
• Low Birth Weight:Low birth weight, often associated with premature birth, can also increase the risk of cerebral palsy due to vulnerability to complications such as intracranial hemorrhage.
  

3. Postnatal Factors:

• Neonatal Infections:Infections such as bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis in newborns can cause significant brain damage.
  
• Traumatic Brain Injury:Severe head injuries during infancy, resulting from falls, accidents, or abuse, can lead to cerebral palsy.
  
• Stroke:Infants can suffer from strokes due to blood clotting problems, malformed blood vessels, or heart defects, which can cause brain damage and result in cerebral palsy.
  

4. Other Contributing Factors:

• Multiple Births:Twins, triplets, and other multiple births have a higher risk of cerebral palsy due to increased chances of premature birth and low birth weight.
  
• Infertility Treatments:Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) may slightly increase the risk of cerebral palsy, possibly due to higher rates of multiple births and associated complications.
  
• Maternal Health Issues: Conditions such as thyroid problems, seizures, or intellectual disability in the mother can increase the risk of cerebral palsy in the child.
  

These factors highlight the complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and developmental influences that can lead to cerebral palsy.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) manifests through a variety of symptoms that can differ significantly in type and severity, depending on the specific areas of the brain affected and the extent of the damage. The primary symptoms of CP revolve around motor impairments, including issues with muscle tone, movement, and coordination.

1. Muscle Tone Abnormalities: Children with cerebral palsy often exhibit abnormal muscle tone, which can be either hypertonic (increased muscle tone) or hypotonic (reduced muscle tone). Hypertonic symptoms include stiff and rigid muscles, making movements difficult and jerky. In contrast, hypotonic symptoms involve overly relaxed muscles, resulting in floppy or loose limbs. These abnormalities can affect posture, balance, and the ability to perform coordinated movements.

2. Movement and Coordination Problems: Movement difficulties are a hallmark of cerebral palsy. These can include spasticity (stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes), ataxia (lack of coordination and balance), and dyskinetic movements (involuntary, uncontrolled movements). Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type, characterized by muscle stiffness and awkward movements. Ataxic cerebral palsy affects balance and depth perception, leading to unsteady movements and difficulties with tasks that require precise motor skills. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy includes athetoid movements (slow, writhing movements) and dystonia (twisting and repetitive movements).

3. Motor Skill Impairments: Fine motor skills, such as writing, buttoning clothes, or using utensils, can be challenging for individuals with cerebral palsy. Gross motor skills, like walking, running, and jumping, may also be impaired. The severity of these impairments varies; some individuals may require assistive devices like braces, walkers, or wheelchairs, while others might only have mild difficulties.

4. Associated Symptoms:Beyond the primary motor impairments, cerebral palsy is often accompanied by other neurological and developmental issues. These can include seizures, intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties, and speech and language disorders. Many individuals with CP also experience vision and hearing problems. Additionally, feeding and swallowing difficulties are common, potentially leading to nutritional concerns and growth delays.

5. Developmental Delays: Developmental milestones, such as sitting, crawling, or walking, are typically delayed in children with cerebral palsy. Parents and caregivers might first notice symptoms when a child fails to reach these milestones within the expected age ranges. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing symptoms and maximising developmental potential.

Cerebral palsy presents a diverse range of symptoms that require comprehensive evaluation and personalised management strategies. Early intervention and ongoing therapy can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with CP, helping them achieve greater independence and participate more fully in daily activities.