Cerebral Palsy

Question 1

Describe CP to a patient

Answer 1

Permenant neurological condition resulting from damage to the childs brain around the time of birth

Question 2

What causes CP (3)

Answer 2

Maternal Infections

Hypoxic injury

Kernicterus

Question 3

What are some of the symptoms to describe to a mother for CP

Answer 3

Muscles very tense resulting in difficulties in movement

CO-ordinated movements such as swallowing / writing / walking hard

Failure to meet their developmental milestones

Question 4

How to describe to patient what the level of CP will be?

Answer 4

Huge variation in the symptoms ranging from wheelcahair bound to only subtle problems with co-ordination / mobolity

Depends on severity of damage to brain

Question 5

What are 2 complications of CP

Answer 5

Inc. liklihood of epilepsy

Hearing + vision complications

Question 6

Management of CP (explain)

Answer 6

CF is a lifelong condition that can be managed to maximise function

goal is to try and achieve the most fulfilling and indepent life as possible

Physio => Strengthen muscles to maximise funciton
SLT -> May need to help them feed
Dietician => Sort out their diet
Paediatrians => To assess any medications they may need

Question 7

What medication may CP patients need for tense muscles?

Answer 7

Baclofen