Medical Dictionary |
A Medical Dictionary of Medical Terminology
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Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that cause problems with movement, balance, and posture. CP affects the cerebral motor cortex. This is the part of the brain that directs muscle movement. In fact, the first part of the name, cerebral, means having to do with the brain. The second part, palsy, means weakness or problems with using the muscles.
What are the types of cerebral palsy (CP)?There are different types of CP:
CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the developing brain. It could happen when:
Both the brain damage and the disabilities it causes are permanent.
Who is at risk for cerebral palsy (CP)?CP is more common among boys than girls. It affects black children more often than white children.
Certain medical conditions or events that can happen during pregnancy and delivery that may increase a baby's risk of being born with cerebral palsy, including:
There are many different types and levels of disability with CP. So the signs can be different in each child.
The signs usually appear in the early months of life. But sometimes there is a delay in getting a diagnosis until after age two. Infants with CP often have developmental delays. They are slow to reach developmental milestones such as learning to roll over, sit, crawl, or walk. They may also have abnormal muscle tone. They may seem floppy, or they may be stiff or rigid.
It's important to know that children without CP can also have these signs. Contact your child's health care provider know if your child has any of these signs, so you can get a correct diagnosis.
How is cerebral palsy (CP) diagnosed?Diagnosing CP involves several steps:
There is no cure for CP, but treatment can improve the lives of those who have it. It is important to begin a treatment program as early as possible.
A team of health professionals will work with you and your child to develop a treatment plan. Common treatments include:
You cannot prevent the genetic problems that can cause CP. But it may be possible to manage or avoid some of the risk factors for CP. For example, making sure that pregnant women have been vaccinated could prevent certain infections that can cause CP in unborn babies. Using cars seats for infants and toddlers could prevent head injuries, which can be a cause of CP.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Neuromuscular disorders affect your neuromuscular system. They can cause problems with:
These disorders can cause your muscles to become weak and waste away. You may also have symptoms such as spasms, twitching, and pain.
Examples of neuromuscular disorders include:
There can be different causes for these diseases. Many of them are genetic.This means they are inherited (run in families) or are caused by a new mutation in your genes. Some neuromuscular disorders are autoimmune diseases. Sometimes the cause is unknown.
Many neuromuscular diseases have no cure. But treatments may improve symptoms, increase mobility, and lengthen life.