Health Blurbs

Cerebral palsy refers to a collection of neurological disorders that permanently affects muscle movement and coordination.  Its genesis is not within the muscle itself, but in the part of brain that controls your muscles.

Most often cerebral palsy is caused by a congenital brain abnormality, but can result from a health event that impacts your brain during its period of development.

The various types of cerebral palsy are:

• mixed cerebral palsy ~ any combination of symptoms
• dyskinetic cerebral palsy ~ twisting, jerking, other movements
• hypotonic cerebral palsy ~ floppy muscles & increased range of motion
• spastic cerebral palsy ~ beyond normal muscle tone, tightness & most common type
• ataxic cerebral palsy ~ tremors, unsteady gait, loss of coordination, abnormal movements

The root cause for cerebral palsy is not always determinable. Most cases are believed to be an “in womb” occurrence. Yet, the cause of this palsy type can happen after birth.

The suspected causes of cerebral palsy fall into two general categories, indirect or direct.  Indirect is a health situation involving a woman during pregnancy that burdens the brain of her growing fetus. And direct has to do with the health of the individual with cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy has been linked to a variety of infections. An infectious disease may have cerebral consequences during pregnancy or within the first couple months of an infant’s life after birth.

“During pregnancy” infections that have been associated with cerebral palsy are:

• rubella
• syphilis
• chickenpox
• active herpes
• toxoplasmosis
• cytomegalovirus

“After birth” infant infections that have been linked to cerebral palsy include:

• meningitis
• encephalitis

Some other possible causes of cerebral palsy are:

• strokes
• hypoxia
• head injury
• gene mutation
• severe jaundice
• bleeding in brain
• toxin, radiation exposure

The risk of cerebral palsy is a little higher for premature infants.

Cerebral palsy symptoms vary widely, can be anywhere from mild to severe and crop up during the first few years of life. Symptoms may involve:

• pain
• ataxia
• tremors
• seizures
• paralysis
• spasticity
• dysarthria
• foot, leg dragging
• irregular breathing
• muscle weakness
• urinary incontinence
• respiratory concerns
• vomiting, constipation
• limited range of motion
• sucking, feeding difficulties
• floppy, rigid & stiff muscles
• drooling, swallowing difficulty
• hearing, vision, dental problems
• decreased intelligence, learning disability
• abnormal movements, sensations, muscle tone

The extent of symptoms are usually static because cerebral palsydoesn’t advance.  However, some health complications may occur, like contractures and malnutrition.

If you are pregnant, take healthy steps to minimize any potential complications by:

• being immunized
• making your own health a priority
• eating a balanced diet & exercise routinely
• pursuing early & continuous prenatal care

There’s no cure for cerebral palsy. And its frequently not a pregnant woman’s fault nor is it preventable.

Movement Related Health Blurbs:

• Movement Disorder Dystonia Causes Involuntary Dystonic Movements
• Causes of Muscular Atrophy, Muscle Loss, Muscle Atrophy, Muscle Wasting
• Causes of Movement Disorder, Movement Control, Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
• About Connective Tissue Disorder, Autoimmune and Mixed Connective Tissue Disease