Cerebral Palsy is a term describing a number of chronic medical conditions
affecting both muscle coordination and body movements. This is the result
of damage to a number of regions of the brain, which typically occurs during
fetal development, birth, or infancy. These symptoms are not related to
any muscle or nerve damage. They are a result of damage or problematic
development of critical motor areas of the brain which affect its ability
to control movement.
Cerebral Palsy is a developmental condition, and by definition is not progressive,
that is, it cannot get worse during life. However, side effects of this
condition, such as muscle spasms, can change over time. Cerebral Palsy
is not considered a disease and is in no way communicable. It is caused
by permanent brain damage and cannot be cured, although patients can learn
to 'manage' its effects.
Types
Spastic Cerebral Palsy - This type of Cerebral Palsy effects
anywhere between 70 and 80 percent of patients, and is characterized by
stiff and permanent contraction of the muscles. This type of Cerebral Palsy
is often described according to which limbs are affected. In a percentage
of cases, this type of Cerebral Palsy follows a period of hypotonia (poor
muscular tone) in infants.
Athetoid/Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy -
Affects between 10 and 20 percent of patients, and is characterized by
uncontrollable, slow movements. The most commonly affected muscle groups
include the feet, legs, arms, hands, and possibly facial muscles. These
movements can intensify during stressful times and usually disappear
when the patient is sleeping. In cases where facial muscles are affected,
patients may experience problems with speech, also known as dysarthria.
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy – This is the
rarest form of Cerebral Palsy, affecting balance and depth perception.
This results in symptoms such as poor coordination, problems walking,
and difficulty with quick & precise movement. In addition, patients may
also display intention tremor. This typically results in difficulty beginning
voluntary movements, and causes an increasingly serious tremor. Only
5 to 10 percent of patients are affected by this type.
Mixed Form Cerebral Palsy - In many
cases, patients may display symptoms from more than one form of Cerebral
Palsy.
