<p>Cerebral palsy (CP) happens when there is damage to parts of the brain that control muscle movement, or when development is abnormal in these areas. It’s a major cause of childhood disability and the leading cause of motor disability in kids, but how it plays out for the individual varies widely. We’ve made big progress in treating the condition, so patients are now living fuller, longer lives.</p> <h2>Fundamentals of CP</h2> <p>CP is a neurological disorder that impacts movement, muscle tone, and posture. “Cerebral” refers to the brain, while “palsy” means weakness or issues with using muscles.</p> <p>Damage to the developing brain (typically before birth) is the usual cause, but CP can also be triggered during infancy or early childhood. CP is for life, but with early intervention, we can develop the potential of patients so that they lead fulfilling and relatively independent lives.</p> <h3>Causes of CP</h3> <p>The exact roots of CP are unknown, but scientists suspect several factors that disrupt brain development before, during, or shortly after birth. These include maternal infections, a lack of oxygen to the brain, genetic mutations, and fetal stroke. An elevated risk comes with premature birth, low birth weight, and being part of multiples (twins, triplets, and so on).</p> <h3>Types of CP</h3> <p>There are different types of CP categorized based on what areas of the body are affected and the type of impairment. The three main types of CP are:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Spastic</strong>. The most common type (around 80% of cases). It is characterized by muscle tightness and spasms.</li> <li><strong>Dyskinetic</strong>. Involves problems with muscle control, making it difficult to sit or walk, for example.</li> <li><strong>Mixed</strong>. Includes features of both spastic and dyskinetic types.</li> </ul> <figure><img alt="" height="521" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/Roe7vpcaqv/original.jpg" width="503" /> <figcaption>A child with spastic cerebral palsy. <em>Source: Wikiwheels93</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>Doctors also organize subtypes according to the part of the body that is primarily affected. For example, you could be diplegic, meaning your arms are more affected than your legs, or quadriplegic, which affects all limbs.</p> <h2>Living with CP</h2> <h3>Severity is a spectrum</h3> <p>As serious as a condition as CP is, it can be surprisingly manageable in some cases. A person with severe CP will probably need special equipment to walk or may simply be unable to do so if they require close, lifelong care. Milder versions may be so subtle that, despite a little awkwardness in your gait, you don’t need any special help at all. </p> <p>CP doesn’t get worse over time, though the nature of the symptoms can evolve.</p> <h3>Symptoms</h3> <p>The symptoms of CP include:</p> <ul> <li>Muscle stiffness or weakness </li> <li>Poor coordination</li> <li>Involuntary movements</li> <li>Tremors</li> <li>Issues with balance and posture </li> </ul> <p>Some people with CP may also live with connected conditions such as:</p> <ul> <li>An intellectual disability</li> <li>Seizures </li> <li>A vision or hearing impairment</li> <li>Speech and language delay</li> </ul> <h3>Everyday living</h3> <p>Everyday tasks that we take for granted can be challenging for people with CP, both physically and emotionally. Dressing, eating, and walking can all be difficult, and there are often barriers they must face regarding access to education, employment, and social activities.</p> <p>There are additional burdens in the form of chronic pain and fatigue that can take a toll mentally, not to mention the stigma associated with disabilities.</p> <h2>Treatment and management</h2> <p>We can’t cure cerebral palsy, but symptoms can be managed. Treatment plans are dictated by the severity of the case, the nature of the symptoms, and how they affect the individual. </p> <p>Managing CP requires a team approach from healthcare providers to cover the different specialized areas that make up a person’s needs. Pediatricians, neurologists, physiatrists, therapists, and social workers may all be part of the package.</p> <figure><img alt="" height="377" src="https://cdn.storymd.com/optimized/8ojrYnhLo7/original.jpg" width="567" /> <figcaption>Researchers are developing an electrical stimulation device specifically designed for children with cerebral palsy <em>Source: The National Institutes of Health</em></figcaption> </figure> <h3>Common treatment types for CP</h3> <p>Treatments include the following:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Medications.</strong> These can be used to manage side effects of CP like seizures, spasticity, and more. What medications are involved depends greatly on the symptoms and effects of CP, so there’s no uniform answer. Medications may also be involved in treating mental health issues.<br/>  </li> <li><strong>Surgeries.</strong> Through surgery, we can help to reduce the intensity of muscle spasms directly, or implant medication pumps so that medications can be delivered consistently. Doctors may also be able to correct joint and spine problems through surgery, and in some cases, they even implant electrical brain stimulators to assist with modulating brain activity.<br/>  </li> <li><strong>Therapy.</strong> With the help of physios and occupational therapists, people with CP can become more adept at managing everyday needs and tasks. This builds independence and confidence along with strength and mobility.<br/>  </li> <li><strong>Speech therapy.</strong> Talking can be hard with CP. Speech therapy can improve patients’ abilities at speaking so they can communicate more effectively.<br/>  </li> <li><strong>Mental health</strong>. As you can imagine with the seriously inhibiting nature of CP, people with this disorder often struggle with depression and anxiety. Therapists and counselors can be important mentors in helping them to cope with their conditions on a psychological level.<br/>  </li> <li><strong>Social work and educational assistance.</strong> An extra helping hand can go a long way in securing the educational potential of people with CP. Social workers and other experts can be critical supports in the lives of those with CP.</li> </ul> <h2>Future of research</h2> <p>Exciting things are percolating in the lab for research into CP, and in the future, we will likely be much better able to predict, manage, and treat the condition. </p> <p>That includes the promise of neuroregeneration through emerging fields like stem cell therapy, which aims to promote the growth and repair of broken neural connections. For those living with the condition, advances in robotics and exoskeletons may transform their motor capabilities.</p> <h2>More on Cerebral Palsy</h2><ul><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/vwd7277h4w-cerebral-palsy" target="_blank">Cerebral Palsy (CP): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/9jk5laq1bj-spastic-diplegia-cerebral-palsy" target="_blank">Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment</a></li><li><a href="https://soulivity.storymd.com/journal/yj5ddxeinm-movement-disorders" target="_blank">Common Movement Disorders</a></li></ul>