Cerebral palsy in children: a clinical overview

Abstract

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder characterized by abnormal tone, posture and movement and clinically classified based on the predominant motor syndrome-spastic hemiplegia, spastic diplegia, spastic quadriplegia, and extrapyramidal or dyskinetic. The incidence of CP is 2-3 per 1,000 live births. Prematurity and low birthweight are important risk factors for CP; however, multiple other factors have been associated with an increased risk for CP, including maternal infections, and multiple gestation. In most cases of CP the initial injury to the brain occurs during early fetal brain development; intracerebral hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia are the main pathologic findings found in preterm infants who develop CP. The diagnosis of CP is primarily based on clinical findings. Early diagnosis is possible based on a combination of clinical history, use of standardized neuromotor assessment and findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); however, in most clinical settings CP is more reliably recognized by 2 years of age. MRI scan is indicated to delineate the extent of brain lesions and to identify congenital brain malformations. Genetic tests and tests for inborn errors of metabolism are indicated based on clinical findings to identify specific disorders. Because CP is associatedwith multiple associated and secondary medical conditions, its management requires a multidisciplinary team approach. Most children with CP grow up to be productive adults.

Cerebral Palsy: Enhancing Movement Opportunity with Help from the Care Team

“…Fit. Sports, 9(4) (2020) 27-30 | 29 of movement in children with cerebral palsy [10]. Successful physical therapy may include passive gentle range of motion exercises and stretches across major joints whereby increased range-of-motion results.…”

“…Successful physical therapy may include passive gentle range of motion exercises and stretches across major joints whereby increased range-of-motion results. In addition, muscle strength is achieved by performing regularly scheduled progressively increasing resistive exercises involving all major muscle groups; specific physiotherapy exercises are designed to improve balance, postural control, gait, and assist with mobility and transfers (for example from bed to wheelchair [10]).…”

“…Functional strength training combined with plyometric exercises and balance training have been used to improve function in individuals with cerebral palsy [10]. Plyometric exercise improves muscle power, which includes strength and speed; in regards to functional strength training, targeting specific muscles is most effective in muscle activation.…”

The Most Cited Original Articles in Brain Imaging of Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Bibliometric Analysis Between 1984 and 2019

“…Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of permanent movement disorders attributed to non-progressive disturbances occurring during fetal or infant brain development (1). The prevalence of CP for all live birth ranges from 2 to 3 per 1,000 live births (2). However, this prevalence varies for different regions or countries depending on income level, and a higher prevalence has also been reported in infancy compared to all live births (1,2).…”

Cerebral palsy: comorbidities, the second hidden side

“…CP has been defined as a group of permanent disorders affecting movement and posture, causing limitations in activity due to nonprogressive disturbances that affects the developing fetal or immature infant brain; and it is a resultant of non-progressive injury to the developing brain. 1,2 Various studies conducted worldwide reported the prevalence of 1.5 to >4 per 1000 live births. 3,4 In India, prevalence of CP was estimated to be 2.95 per 1000 live births.…”