Cerebral Palsy

Question 1

Define Cerebral Palsy

Answer 1

It is a non-progressive perinatal brain lesion

Question 2

Describe the demographics for CP (incidence etc)

Answer 2

Incidence 1.5-5 per 100 births; prevalence 2.4 per 1000 children starting school age 6; M:F ratio 1.33:1

Question 3

Describe the aetiology of CP

Answer 3

There are two main lesion types:
1. periventricular leukomalacia: occurs mostly in perinatal babies and associated w/ drug use, alcohol, blood disorders

2. stroke: occurs in term babies, assoc. w/ infection, blood and coagulation disorders

Question 4

List eight signs and symptoms for people w/CP

Answer 4

1. motor control deficits (coordination, muscle tone)
2. 70% spastic; 30% athetoid
3. hemiplegic, diplegic, quadriplegic
4. movement pattern variability is large
5. dysphagia
6. mental disadvantage with and IQ

Question 5

Describe the pathophysiology of periventricular leukomalacia

Answer 5

PVL predominantly involves the white matter of the brain. Damage can either cause decreased blood or oxygen flow, or, damage to the glial cells that support the neurons throughout the nervous system. Results in white matter lesions

Question 6

Describe the pathophysiology of perinatal stroke

Answer 6

Occurs more in term babies than perinatal w/ increased risk factors of infection, blood/coagulation disorder. Perinatal stroke is caused by thrombosis, can result in an increased inflammatory response to hypoxia-ischemia causing neuronal apoptosis

Question 7

What are the benefits of EX for people w/CP?

Answer 7

increased: participation in individual community activities; sense of well-being; maintenance of heart and lung efficiency; bone structure
maintenance: strength; flexibility; ability; coordination
reduce risk of chronic disease