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Cerebral palsy is a group of chronic disorders that damage areas of the brain controlling movement. The word "cerebral" refers to the brain and "palsy" is a condition that impairs control of movement and posture. These disorders usually appear in the first few years of life and don't worsen over time. Although children with severe cerebral palsy may have life-long disabilities, children with mild forms may manage very well on their own.
Cerebral palsy doesn't appear to be an inherited disease. There is not yet a cure, but treatments continue to improve through research. At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, we are at the forefront of research on cerebral palsy. Our neurologists are specially trained to treat the condition, using the latest imaging, technical equipment and therapies.
Cerebral palsy is caused by the abnormal development of areas of the brain that control movement and posture or damage to those areas caused by head injury or disease, such as bacterial meningitis, rubella and viral encephalitis. Only 10 to 20 percent of cerebral palsy is acquired after birth. There are four general types of cerebral palsy:
Some infants are at higher risk for developing cerebral palsy. Risk factors for developing the condition include:
Infants also have a higher risk for developing cerebral palsy if their mothers have the following conditions:
Even if your child has one or more of these risk factors, it doesn't mean that he or she will develop cerebral palsy.
Symptoms of cerebral palsy vary for each child. Symptoms may change over time, and may be affected by other medical conditions. Your child may experience the following:
During your child's visit to the Child Neurology clinic at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, our doctors and other health professionals will evaluate your child. We will ask you about your child's medical history as well as your family medical history. If your child's pediatrician has provided medical records, we will review this information.
Be sure to tell your child's neurologist about medications your child is using, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements or herbal remedies.
Our doctors will check your child's motor skills and reflexes, and look for symptoms of cerebral palsy. We may conduct tests or procedures to rule out other conditions that could cause your child's movement problems.
Your child may need one or more specialized procedures that test for cerebral palsy:
Working with your child's primary care doctor, we will design a treatment plan tailored to your child's condition. Your child may need more than one kind of treatment, or treatment requiring several visits to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. Your child also may be referred to additional doctors or other medical professionals.
Because cerebral palsy can't be cured, treatment is an ongoing process to manage the disease's effects and improve your child's quality of life. Medications can be prescribed to control seizures and muscle spasms. Special braces may be recommended to improve muscle balance. Sometimes, surgery or mechanical aids are advised. Physical, speech and behavioral therapy may be part of your child's treatment program.
Your child's neurologist will explain possible risks or complications from the treatments that your child will receive.
Feel free to ask questions about your child's treatments. If your child is prescribed new medication, be sure that he or she takes it exactly as instructed. And make sure your child keeps all follow-up appointments with our doctors and other medical staff.
The members of your child's medical team may include:
Orthopedic surgeons treat problems with bones, muscles, tendons, nerves or joints. Specific treatments for children with cerebral palsy may include physical therapy to decrease spasticity and improve function, orthopedic appliances such as braces to prevent deformity, and surgery to correct deformities.
Physical therapy may begin immediately after diagnosis to help your child learn skills like sitting, walking or using a wheelchair; improve muscle strength, balance and coordination; and prevent muscles from shortening. Stretching muscles may help prevent contraction. Physical therapy may involve activities like swimming and horseback riding to tone muscles.
Using braces, splints or casts may improve your child's joint mobility and stability, prevent contraction and improve hand or leg function. Braces can compensate for muscle imbalance. If contraction is severe, surgery may lengthen affected muscles.
Surgery also may help if tightly contracted muscles cause stress to joints and lead to deformities or dislocations. Some children with cerebral palsy need surgery to correctly position their arms or legs.
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your child's doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your child's provider.
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