Cerebral Palsy

Question 1

Define cerebral palsy

Answer 1

disorder of posture and movement caused by a permanent and non-progressive insult to the developing brain.

Question 2

AETIOLOGIES of cerebral palsy

Answer 2

Intra-uterine infections a n d extreme prematurity are the commonest causes

Question 3

Clinical features of Cerebral Palsy

Answer 3

*Delay in motor developmental milestones
*Abnormalities of muscle tone
*Reduction in normal movement
*Presence of abnormal movements

Question 4

Types Of Cerebral Palsy

Answer 4

*spastic: upper motor neurone pattern of weakness, hypertonia, hyper-reflexia & extensor plantar reflex. May be lead-pipe or
clasp-knife in form.

• Hemiplegia
• Diplegia (both lower limbs more affected than upper limbs
• Quadriplegia (all limbs equally affected)
• ATHETOID (DYSKINETIC): continuous, slow, writhing movements, due to basal ganglia damage from either kernicterus or asphyxia.
• ATAXIC (EXTRAPYRAMIDAL): lack of
  balance reactions, intention tremors, broad based gait,
• HYPOTONIC- Hypotonia is present at rest but features of UMNL may manifest. Usually severely mentally retarded. Uncommon.
  *MIXED - a combination of different-types.

Question 5

Associated Problems of cerebral palsy name 5

Answer 5

*mental retardation
* Seizure disorders,
*Deafness,
*Blindness,
*Behavioural problems: incontinence, constipation etc

Question 6

Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy

Answer 6

*Thorough history (prenatal, perinatal & postnatal)
*physical examination (motor exam and sensory
* CT scan or MRI of the brain

Question 7

Treatment

Answer 7

Note no cure

*supportive treatment
-Nutritional support:
About 30% a r e undernourished.
-Give antiepileptic drugs for seizures eg carbamazepine
-generalized spasticity, give diazepam
-Physiotherapy
-Speech therapy: