Week 10 - Cerebral Palsy

Question 1

what is cerebral palsy

Answer 1

• chronic disorder involving loss or impairment of motor function
• broad term that describes a group of permanent disorders of movement & body posture that cause physical limitation & motor deficits & altered sensory effects

Question 2

what does cerebral palsy affect? (4)

Answer 2

• body movement
• muscle control
• muscle tone
• posture balance

Question 3

what are other associated impairments w cerebral palsy (7)

Answer 3

• seizures
• hearing impairments
• vision impairments
• attention
• behavior
• cognition
• oral/speech

Question 4

what diagnostics are used for cerebral palsy (4)

Answer 4

• neuro exam
• MRI
• CT
• genetics

Question 5

what is the cause of cerebral palsy

Answer 5

• malformation or injury of brain (during development) = brain damage

Question 6

what is congenital cerebral palsy? how common is it?

Answer 6

• cerebral palsy d/t malformation at birth = rare

Question 7

what is acquired cerebral palsy

Answer 7

• cerebral palsy d/t trauma or injury

Question 8

describe symptoms of cerebral palsy

Answer 8

• variable in intensity

- always include abnormal muscle tone & challenges w coordination

Question 9

describe the duration & severity of cerebral palsy (3)

Answer 9

• permanent life issue
• not usually in acute care settings
• not typically hospitalized, typically for medical reason or surgery

Question 10

describe treatment/management of cerebral palsy

Answer 10

• therapy = preventative & symptomatic

Question 11

what are the goals of nursing care for cerebral palsy (5)

Answer 11

• optimize mobility & motor function
• correct associated deficits (ex. seizures)
• adapt education needs
• promote socialization
• emotional support

Question 12

what is used to help optimize mobility/motor function (5)

Answer 12

• assistive devices
• AFOs
• braces
• wheelchairs
• ortho surgery

Question 13

what are some interventions for muscle spasms/post-surgery (6)

Answer 13

• pain meds
• AEDs
• benzos –> diazepam
• valium
• botox
• PO baclofen

Question 14

what should the pt & parents be educated on r/t baclofen (3)

Answer 14

• treats spascitiy
• should be taken at same time everyday
• do not stop abruptly

Question 15

what interventions are used for cerebral palsy (6)

Answer 15

• baclofen pump (intrathecal)
• PT
• OT (adpative devices)
• SLT
• nutritionist
• helmet (for falls)

Question 16

why should a nutritionist be referred for cerebral palsy (2)

Answer 16

• feeding issues

- g-tube feedings

Question 17

describe diet for a pt w cerebral palsy

Answer 17

• encourage high caloric intake –> d/t higher caloric need r/t spascity of the muscles

Question 18

describe the prognosis of a pt w cerebral palsy

Answer 18

• depends on how severe the impairments are

- neural rehab can be offerred for mild to mod cases

Question 19

what are pts w cerebral palsy at risk of?

Answer 19

• severe mobility & feeding issues = resp tracts infections d/t aspirations
  = effect survival rate