Cerebral palsy is a group of permanent disorders that affect movement, body coordination, and muscle posture, resulting from damage to or abnormal development of the brain during the early stages of life, often before, during, or immediately after birth.
Cerebral palsy is one of the most common causes of motor disability in children, and its severity varies from case to case; some children show mild symptoms, while others need devices or motor support for walking and balance.
Symptoms
The signs begin to appear during infancy or the early years of childhood, and include:
• Stiffness or looseness of the muscles (muscle spasms or weakness).
• Difficulty with balance or fine motor coordination.
• Delayed sitting, crawling, or walking compared to other children.
• Involuntary movements or unsteady gait.
• Delay in speech development or difficulty in pronunciation.
• Difficulty swallowing or eating and excessive salivation.
• Preference for using one side of the body.
The condition may be accompanied by other symptoms such as epileptic seizures, hearing or vision impairment, and learning or attention difficulties. Although brain damage does not increase over time, its muscular and skeletal effects may worsen if therapeutic intervention does not occur early.
Reasons
Cerebral palsy occurs as a result of damage to or abnormality in brain development, and the causes vary depending on the stage:
•prenatal:
-Infections or illnesses in the mother (such as rubella or herpes).
Disruptions in blood flow to the fetus's brain.
Genetic or hereditary problems that affect brain development.
•During childbirth:
- Oxygen deficiency or complications of a difficult birth.
-Very premature birth or low birth weight.
•postnatal:
- Brain or meningeal infections.
Head injuries or brain hemorrhage.
-Severe, untreated jaundice.
•Risk factors:
-Pregnancy with more than one fetus.
-Chronic maternal diseases such as diabetes and preeclampsia.
-Premature birth or low birth weight.
-Infection after childbirth or elevated bilirubin.
Therapy and Support
There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but early and comprehensive treatment greatly improves quality of life. Some of the most important types of treatment include:
-Physical therapy: to improve movement and balance and strengthen muscles.
-Occupational therapy: to develop daily living skills.
-Speech and swallowing therapy: to support communication and nutrition.
-Drug or surgical treatment: to relieve spasms or correct deformities when needed.
-Psychological and social support: to enhance the patient's confidence and independence.
Prevention
While cerebral palsy may be difficult to prevent completely, the likelihood of it occurring can be reduced by:
-Regular medical follow-up during pregnancy for early detection of any problems.
-Getting the necessary vaccinations before pregnancy, especially against rubella.
Controlling chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes
-Avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs.
-Ensuring a safe birth under the supervision of a specialist doctor.
-Protecting the baby after birth from falls or head injuries
Cerebral palsy presents significant challenges, but it does not preclude a life rich in achievements and social support.
With early diagnosis, integrated medical care, and cooperation from family and community, those affected can develop their abilities and significantly improve their quality of life.