Childhood is a time of learning about the world and exploring the world with all our new senses. Everything a child does is marked by sheer curiosity and innocence. However, Cerebral Palsy (CP) is one of the most common villains of the recent times which hinders a child’s growth greatly.
All of us have probably heard about this condition called “Cerebral Palsy” occurring in children, mostly. Now, we shall take a deeper look at a few basic facts about Cerebral Palsy in children.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy in children is a developmental disorder, and it is the most common cause of disability in motor functions in childhood.
The cause of this condition is generally linked toan injury to the brain sustained during the time of pregnancy, or during birth. What makes detection of Cerebral Palsy in children difficult is its occurrence with mild symptoms in the beginning.
Cerebral Palsy in children can be responsible for the delay in reaching developmental milestones like:
• Rolling over,
• Crawling,
• Walking
As stated earlier, Cerebral Palsy in children affect the motor functions of the body; because it affects the motor cortex of the brain. This part of the brain is responsible for the movement and coordination of the entire body.
What are the symptoms of Cerebral Palsy?
Since there are several types of Cerebral Palsy in children, symptoms can vary from one individual to other.
However, there are a few common symptoms:
• Difficulties in movement with poor body coordination
• Irregularity in muscle tone; may include hypotonia hypertonia and dystonia
• Improper posture and difficulty in maintaining balance
• Irregularity in muscle reflexes
• Irregularity in oral motor controls
• Abnormal gross motor functions
• Impairment of fine motor controls
As stated above,Cerebral Palsy in children is not presented with all of the above symptoms. However, if a child displays one or more symptoms listed above, he/she should be taken to the physician.
What is the cure for Cerebral Palsy?
There is no complete cure for this condition, yet. The symptoms can be managed and the body can be trained to be comfortable and functional with the disability. The best possible cure here is treating the symptoms and preventing any secondary conditions from developing.
How is physiotherapy helpful?
The most basic and most effective treatment for Cerebral Palsy in children is physiotherapy. This form of therapy stands as the most recommended one by several physicians. This is extensively helpful for dealing with all types and degrees of Cerebral Palsy in children.
Physiotherapy helps in improving the functioning of the motor cortex in the brain. Cerebral Palsy in children causes difficulty and impairment in crawling, walking, running, climbing, balance, posture and etc. Physiotherapy works to resolve these issues and managing the condition.
Here are a few ways physiotherapy works:
• Development of muscle tones which are affected by the condition
• Decreasing chances of deformation of bones
• Reducing pain and helping to cope with physical discomfort
• Overcoming obstacles presented in form of physical limitations
• Improving the overall range of body motions
• Helping to learn the use of supportive and adaptive equipment
• Improving overall flexibility, fitness, posture and balance
• Helping the body gain overall independence in mobility
Since Cerebral Palsy in children has become common, there has been an increased demand for good physiotherapists. Parents dealing with such special children can relate to the challenges they face on a regular basis. Nurturing and caring for your children alone can be very challenging. Let us help you in this endeavour. TriBeCa Care has specialized and affordable in-house physiotherapy solutions. We aim to help your children with nothing but the best care possible. Please contact us for more details.
