Disrupting the Control Center
Cerebral palsy, or CP, is caused when the brain's motor control areas are damaged in some way during critical stages of development. This can occur before, during or even in the first few months after birth. Because CP affects the motor center of the brain, motor control and movement become difficult. This may not be detected during the first few years of life, as the signs are not obvious when an infant is learning to move. Cerebral palsy is characterized by uncontrolled movements, spasms and problems with muscle tone. Because the motor cortex is rather complex, CP affects each child differently. Some might have minor neck and facial tics. Some may straighten limbs suddenly, taking several moments to relax again. Others may have so little muscle tone in their legs that they cannot stand, or even sit upright without assistance. CP may cause anything from minor motor control problems to total dependence on others for all of their care.
Associated Complications
When an infant develops cerebral palsy, other areas of the brain apart from the motor cortex may also be damaged. Many children with CP have learning disabilities, seizures and visual problems because of this. Even children with damage that is confined to the brain's motor centers may have other complications resulting from poor muscle control or problems with tone. For example, orthopedic problems commonly occur with Cerebral Palsy, such as tendon shortening. Contractures, or fixed positions of the extremities, are high on the list of orthopedic complications. Postural control may also be an issue. Therefore, scoliosis is common in children and adults with more profound CP.
Permanent, But Not Degenerative
Once you have CP, you will always have CP. However, after the initial damage to the brain occurs, it does not spread to other areas. Unlike other neurological disorders, symptoms will generally not get worse over time. As soon as a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, he should begin therapy in order to improve his ability to function in all kinds of activities for the rest of his life. While the brain itself will not heal, a person with CP can learn to compensate for their decreased motor control. A child who is mildly affected can learn to walk again with or without devices like crutches. A person with profound CP can be positioned in a custom wheelchair to allow him or her to eat at a table. can be a debilitating disease. However, the way CP effects a person can be improved with education and therapy.
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