Download Cerebral Palsy Date Developed: 11/2010 Date(s)

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BROCKTON AREA MULTI-SERVICES, INC.
MEDICAL PROCEDURE GUIDE
Subject: Cerebral Palsy
Date Developed: 11/2010
Date(s) Reviewed/Revised:
OBJECTIVE: To provide a basic, general understanding of Cerebral Palsy, including
characteristics, types, causes, complications, and treatment.
DEFINITION: Cerebral Palsy is a medical condition caused by permanent brain injury that
occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. A small number of children may acquire Cerebral
Palsy as a result of brain infections, such as bacterial meningitis, or a head injury from a motor
vehicle accident, fall, or child abuse such as Shaken Baby Syndrome.
CHARACTERISTICS: Lack of muscle control and movement
TYPES: Spastic, Athetoid, and Ataxic
Spastic:
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The most common type (70%)
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Characterized by stiff and permanently contracted (stiff) muscles, causing difficulty in
movement.
Athetoid:
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10-20%
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Characterized by slow, uncontrolled movement of arms, legs, hands and feet.
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In rare cases, muscles of face and tongue are affected, causing drooling and grimacing.
Ataxic:
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5-10%
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Characterized by poor sense of depth perception and balance, causing poor coordination.
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May also see tremors.
Most Common Causes:
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Infection, such as Rubella, during pregnancy
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Stroke of fetus
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Kidney or Urinary Tract Infection during pregnancy
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Lack of oxygen during birth
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Jaundice in infancy
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Brain infection in early years
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Head trauma
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BROCKTON AREA MULTI-SERVICES, INC.
MEDICAL PROCEDURE GUIDE
Subject: Cerebral Palsy
Date Developed: 11/2010
Date(s) Reviewed/Revised:
Complications associated with Cerebral Palsy:
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Seizures
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Spasms
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Visual and hearing disturbances
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Hyperactivity
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Learning disorders
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Speech difficulties
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Drooling due to difficulty controlling muscles of tongue, mouth, lips, and jaw
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Eating difficulty can result in malnutrition and poor growth/development
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Tooth decay
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Incontinence of bowel and bladder
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Gastrointestinal dysfunction
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Constipation
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Skin breakdown due to immobility
Treatment:
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Physical therapy to prevent deterioration of muscle tissue from lack of use and avoid
contractions, as well as to improve motor skills
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Behavioral therapy to improve physical, mental, and communicative skills
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Drug therapy in order to control complications related to Cerebral Palsy such as seizures
(Dilantin, Tegretol) and spasticity (Baclofen, Valium).
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Surgery for extreme muscle contractions, which lengthens tendons and muscles involved.