Cerebral Palsy

Question 1

What is cerebral palsy

Answer 1

A non progressive permanent neurological disorder of development, movement and posture that occurs whilst brain is under development
Causes limitations in activity

Question 2

What are the risk factors for cerebral palsy

Answer 2

Antental: maternal infections e.g. rubella, herpes simplex, exposure to toxic substances, multiple pregnancy, Rh incompatibility
Perinatal: prematurity, low birth weight, breech birth, low APGAR score

Question 3

How is it classified

Answer 3

Spastic - intermittent spasms leading to increased tone and pathological reflexes
Athetoid/dyskinetic- increased activity and movement
Ataxic - loss of orderly muscle coordination - abnormal movements, poor coordination and uncontrolled strength
Mixed - combination

Question 4

Which part of the brain is damaged in spastic cerebral palsy

Answer 4

Cortex

Question 5

What is damaged in athetoid/dyskinetic cerebral palsy

Answer 5

Basal ganglia

Question 6

What is damaged in ataxic cerebral palsy

Answer 6

Cerebellum

Question 7

What are the clinical features of cerebral palsy

Answer 7

Persistence of primitive reflexes
Feeding difficulties - oromotor incoordination, sow feeding, vomiting
Abnormal postures, scoliosis, joint contractures
Abnormal gait once walking is achieved
Asymmetric hand function before 12 months
Epilepsy is common
LD common
Failure to thrive

Question 8

When is it considered a brain injury rather than cerebral palsy

Answer 8

After the age of 2