Cerebral palsy

About Cerebral palsy

A group of disorders that affects many functions of the brain including movement, vision, sensation, thinking ability, and speech. Cerebral palsy (CP) is usually caused by injury to the brain while the baby is in the womb or during childbirth. There is no cure for CP. There are many types of CP including spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, hypotonic, and mixed.

Symptoms

Weakness, mental retardation, seizures, speech problems, visual abnormalities, spasticity, walking problems, twitching, floppy muscles.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT scan or MRI may be performed to identify the brain abnormality. An EEG will be done to determine the cause of any co-existing seizures.

Common tests: CT Scan, MRI.

Conventional treatment summary

Depends on severity and cause of symptoms but may include: supportive therapy, physical therapy, braces, occupational therapy and/or special education.

Medical specialties

Internal Medicine · Neurology · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine · Pediatric Neurology

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Cerebral palsy.