Cerebral Palsy Flashcards
What is the definition of global developmental delay?
A child has a global developmental delay if they have significant delay in milestones in at least 2 or more areas
What are the main causes of profound disability?
- Chromosomal abnormalities - micro-duplications and deletions
- Cerebral palsy
- Inborn errors of metabolism
What is cerebral palsy attributed to mostly?
Poor muscle tone (spasticity or rigidity)
What are the antenatal causes of CP?
- Maternal infections
- Trauma during pregnancy
- Prematurity
- Low BW
- Multiple gestation
What are the perinatal causes of CP?
- Birth asphyxia
2. Pre-term birth
What are the post-natal causes of CP?
- Meningitis
- Severe neonatal jaundice
- Head injury/NAI
- Cardio-pulmonary arrest
How would you define the following type of CP; Spastic?
Hypertonic patient with reduced function resulting from damage to upper motor neurones (UMN).
How would you define the following type of CP; dyskinetic?
Problems controlling muscle tone, with both hyper- and hypotonia. This causes athetoid movements and oro-motor problems (speech and eating repercussions). This is due to damage to the basal ganglia.
How would you define the following type of CP; Ataxic?
Problems in co-ordinating movements resulting from damage to the cerebellum.
What are the 3 types of CP?
- Spastic CP (UMN)
- Dyskinetic CP (basal ganglia)
- Ataxic CP (cerebellum)
What are some of the potential signs and symptoms of CP (these will become more evident as the child develops)?
- Failure to meet milestones
- Hypotonia or Hypertonia - general or in specific limbs
- Hand preference before 18 months old (KEY EXAM Q)
- Problems with co-ordination, speech or walking
- Feeding or swallowing problems
- Learning difficulties
What are the key features of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)?
- Difficulties in communication
- Difficulties in social interaction
- Inflexible thinking
What sort of pathology is associated with CP?
Non-progressive, permanent
What are the protective factors of obstetric care against CP?
- Magnesium Sulfate
- Antibiotics
- Corticosteroids
What percentage of patients with CP had an antenatal cause for developing CP?
70-80%