Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy

Cerebral Palsy is disorder of movements and posture caused by non-progressive lesion in immature brain.

Lesion in CP could be either in the brain or in upper cervical cord.

Cerebral Palsy Classification

Based on clinical types

Based on severity

Spastic (most common)

Mild (25%) independent in daily activity

Dyskinesia (25%)  following varieties are described

Athetosis

Tremor

Choreiform

Dystonia

Rigidity

Moderate (50%) needs help in daily activities and ambulation

Ataxia

Severe; patient is bedridden and has a wheelchair existence.

Mixed

 

Cerebral Palsy Causes

Prenatal

Natal

Postnatal

Peri natal( 0-7) days

Rubella

Birth trauma

Trauma

Most lesions causing CP occur in this period

Fetal anorexia

Anoxia

Encephalitis

 

Maternal diabetes

Prematurity

Meningitis

 
Cerebral Palsy Clinical Features
  • Muscles that are very tight and do not stretch. They may tighten up even more over time.
  • Joints are tight and do not open up all the way
  • Muscle weakness or loss of movement in a group of muscles (paralysis)
  •  Abnormal walk  arms tucked in toward the sides, knees crossed or touching, legs make “scissors” movements, walk on the toesT
  • Tremors, loss of coordination, seizures
  • Decreased intelligence or learning disabilities are common, but intelligence can be normal
  • Speech problems (dysarthria)  with  hearing or vision problems
  • Difficulty sucking or feeding in infants, or chewing and swallowing in older children and adults
  • Increased drooling
  •  Slower than normal growth(delayed milestones)
  • Irregular breathing
  • Urinary incontinence

 

Cerebral Palsy Physiotherapy Measures
  • Education and communication is the first priority
  • Activities of the daily life
  • Mobility exercises
  • Ambulation
  • Stretching
  • Mat  exercises
  • Neuro facilitation technique