Week 3 - Cerebral Palsy

Question 1

what is cerebral palsy?

Answer 1

neuromuscular disorder

Question 2

when is the onset of cerebral palsy?

Answer 2

before 2-3 years of age due to an insult to the immature brain before, during or after birth

Question 3

what causes cerebral palsy?

Answer 3

genetic problems
brain malformation
intrauterine infection in early pregnancy
prematurity
intra-cranial haemorrhage
hypoxia during birth
meningitis
- only 1 in 10 due to labour problems

Question 4

what determines the expression and severity of disease in cerebral palsy?

Answer 4

the area of the brain affected

Question 5

what are the features of cerebral palsy?

Answer 5

range from mild symptoms and signs limited to one limb or total body involvement with profound learning difficulties
developmental milestones may be missed
ability to perform normal tasks may be impaired

Question 6

what is the most common expression of CP?

Answer 6

spastic CP

Question 7

what is spastic CP?

Answer 7

occurs in 80% of cases with injury to the motor cortex, upper motor neurons or corticospinal tract resulting in weakness and spasticity which may worsen as the child grows