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Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a term that describes nonprogressive but sometimes changing disorders of movement and posture. These movement problems are due to problems in brain function that occur early in development. Cerebral palsy affects motion, muscle strength, balance, and coordination. These problems are first noted in infancy and continue into adult life. The muscles of speech, swallowing, and breathing may be involved. Intellectual disabilities (mental retardation) and seizures can also occur, but these problems are not always present. The October 4, 2006, issue of JAMA includes an article about cerebral palsy. This Patient Page is based on one previously published in the November 26, 2003, issue of JAMA.
TYPES OF CEREBRAL PALSY
- Spastic—muscles of the body are stiff and tight and do not allow normal movement
- Dyskinetic (athetoid)—muscles stiffen when activated to cause abnormal postures of the arms or legs; may also have writhing movements
- Ataxic—balance and coordination are poor
RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING CEREBRAL PALSY
- Infection of the mother, including rubella (German measles), during pregnancy
- Premature birth—premature babies have immature brain tissue that is susceptible to injury from low oxygen or low blood sugar
- Inadequate oxygen or blood flow to the brain in the mother's womb
- Rh disease—mother and fetus have incompatible blood proteins; Rh disease can be prevented by immunization of the mother at appropriate times
- Congenital (birth) defects and genetic (inherited) factors
- Head trauma (including shaken baby syndrome)
- Severe jaundice (yellowing) in the newborn baby—a buildup of chemicals that may harm an infant's developing brain
DIAGNOSIS OF CEREBRAL PALSY
Babies with cerebral palsy are slow to reach motor developmental milestones. They may not smile, roll over, sit up, crawl, or walk at the expected times. Doctors use physical examination, medical history of the child and the mother, simple tests, and more complex tests to diagnose cerebral palsy.
TREATING CEREBRAL PALSY
Cerebral palsy cannot be cured. However, quality of life can be improved for most children if they receive support and coordinated care, which may involve a variety of experts. Different kinds of therapy (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy) help children to maximize their potential activities at various stages of development. Coordinated treatment of disorders such as seizures and spasticity are crucial in helping children with cerebral palsy lead a healthier life. Medical research is working toward improving diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cerebral palsy.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
INFORM YOURSELF
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page link on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish. A Patient Page on mental retardation was published in the September 25, 2002, issue.
Sources: American College of Cardiology; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; American Heart Association
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. To purchase bulk reprints, call 203/259-8724.
TOPIC: CHILD HEALTH
Janet M. Torpy, MD, Writer;
Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator;
Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor
JAMA. 2006;296:1684.
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RELATED ARTICLE
Clinical and MRI Correlates of Cerebral Palsy: The European Cerebral Palsy Study
Martin Bax, Clare Tydeman, and Olof Flodmark
JAMA. 2006;296(13):1602-1608.
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