Cerebral Palsy Flashcards
What is cerebral palsy
A non progressive permanent neurological disorder of development, movement and posture that occurs whilst brain is under development
Causes limitations in activity
What are the risk factors for cerebral palsy
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
How is it classified
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
Which part of the brain is damaged in spastic cerebral palsy
Cortex
What is damaged in athetoid/dyskinetic cerebral palsy
Basal ganglia
What is damaged in ataxic cerebral palsy
Cerebellum
What are the clinical features of cerebral palsy
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
When is it considered a brain injury rather than cerebral palsy
After the age of 2
