Pediatrics > Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy
Pathology:
Group of disorders prenatal, perinatal, or postnatal in origin
- May result from infection, trauma or hypoxia.
- Static encephalopathy may lead to musculoskeletal limitations
- Frequently associated with placental insufficiency, prematurity, or intraventricular hemorrhage
Types:
- Spastic CP: Increased muscle tone and muscle imbalance across joints limiting joint range of motion and strength.
- Spastic Quadriplegia: All four extremities involved (both arms and legs) as well as the neck and trunk.
- Spastic Diplegia: Mainly lower extremity (legs) involvement.
- Spastic Hemiplegia: One side of the body involved
- Ataxic CP: Generalized decreased muscle tone ("floppy baby syndrome"); wide base of support used.
- Athetoid CP: Extraneous movements used for function, associated with postural instability, fluctuating muscle tone (high and low).
- Other: Usually used with a mixture of athetosis and spasticity or other rare combinations.
Functional Limitations:
- Dependent upon type of CP
- Range of motion limitations may decrease active mobility in children with high tone
- Walking is affected. May require the use of an assistive device
- Difficulty with ADLs (activities of daily living: dressing, feeding, etc)
What can Physical Therapy do to help my child?
- Help to attain and maintain improved joint mobility and muscle strength
- Provide hands-on techniques to improve joint alignment with movement
- Use handling-techniques to facilitate age appropriate motor skills
- Help to achieve alternate movements to attain function, but limit pain
- Provide a home program to assure carryover
- Provide orthotic assessment/training if prescribed by a physician
