What is Cerebral Palsy? Let's educate your baby.

As a mother or father, you are most happy when you see your child grow up little by little, when you see him or her passing one milestone after another, right? But sometimes, when your baby is late in things like rolling over, sitting up, and standing up, you feel a little scared. Although most of the time these are normal things, sometimes there may be a medical condition behind this like “ Cerebral Palsy”. Don’t worry, we will talk about everything in simple terms today.

Simply put, what is cerebral palsy (CP)?

Cerebral Palsy, which we call CP for short, is a group of conditions that affect a child's movement, balance , and muscle function. "Cerebral" means something related to the brain. "Palsy" means a weakness or problem with the muscles.

This condition occurs when the part of the brain that controls our body's movements does not develop properly, or if there is damage to that part at birth or in early childhood. Most often, a child is born with this condition. We call it "congenital CP." But very rarely, this condition can also be caused by damage to the brain after birth.

CP can range from mild to severe. Some children may have difficulty walking and talking. Most children do not have any problems with their intelligence. However, some children may have intellectual disabilities.

What are the main types of CP?

CP can be divided into four main types depending on the child's movement pattern.

A little more about Spastic CP

This is the most common type. It is also divided into three parts:

• Spastic Diplegia: This is a condition where the muscles in the legs are mainly stiff. The muscles in the hips and legs are stiff, causing the knees to turn inward and the legs to cross like scissors when trying to walk. This is also called “scissoring.”
• Spastic Hemiplegia: This affects only one side of the body (right or left). The arm and leg on that side may be slightly shorter and thinner than the other side. This causes some children to try to walk on their toes . Some may also develop a curved spine (scoliosis).
• Spastic Quadriplegia: This is the most severe form of spastic CP. It affects all four limbs, the body, and the face. Seizures and difficulty speaking may also occur.

Why does this situation occur?

It is often difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of CP. However, it can be caused by anything that disrupts the normal development of the brain. These things can happen before, during, or after a child is born.

The main possible reasons are:

• Infections in the mother during pregnancy: Infections such as German measles (Rubella), chickenpox ).
• Premature birth: Babies born before 37 weeks are at higher risk.
• Complications during birth: Difficulty in delivery can cause a baby's brain to be deprived of oxygen (asphyxia). However, this is not as common a cause as previously thought.
• Brain infections in childhood: Brain infections such as bacterial meningitis.
• Genetics: Some genetic changes can affect brain development.
• Severe Jaundice: If bilirubin levels become very high after birth and are not treated, it can damage the brain.

What are the symptoms of this? How do you recognize it?

The symptoms of CP vary from child to child, so the most important thing is that your child's developmental milestones are delayed. But remember, not all delays are CP. If you have any concerns, it's best to talk to your doctor.

CP does not get worse over time. This means that the damage to the brain does not increase. However, symptoms become more apparent as the child gets older and is unable to do the things they need to do (like walk ).

How is CP diagnosed?

Your child's pediatrician will monitor your child's development at every clinical checkup. They will carefully observe your child's movements, muscle tone, and posture.

If you have any concerns, your doctor may refer your child to a pediatric neurologist. The following tests may also be needed to confirm the diagnosis:

• Brain scans : An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan or a CT (Computed Tomography) scan may be done to look at the structure of the brain. MRI can produce clearer images.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram): Some children with CP may have seizures (epilepsy). This test measures the electrical activity of the brain.
• Blood tests: Blood tests are done to check for other genetic or metabolic conditions that show similar symptoms to CP.

What are the treatments?

CP cannot be cured completely. However, with proper treatment and management, the child can be helped to live the best life possible. The sooner treatment begins, the better the results. This involves a team of many people, including doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and others.

Main treatment methods:

• Physical Therapy : This is very important. Exercises are given to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and improve balance.
• Occupational Therapy: Helps the child perform daily tasks (e.g., dressing, eating, writing) independently.
• Speech Therapy: Helps you speak, swallow, and communicate clearly.
• Medications: Medications are given to reduce muscle stiffness (muscle relaxants), control pain, and control seizures. Sometimes Botox injections into the muscles can temporarily reduce stiffness.
• Surgeries: In some cases, orthopedic surgery may be necessary to stretch severely contracted muscles or correct the position of bones.
• Mobility Aids: Walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, and various braces/splints can help with this.

Can this situation be prevented?

Although CP cannot be prevented 100% of the time, there are several things we can do to reduce the risk.

• Staying healthy during pregnancy: Get the necessary vaccinations (especially Rubella) before pregnancy. Get good nutrition during pregnancy, and completely avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Proper Prenatal Care: It is very important to attend regular medical clinics from the day you find out you are pregnant.
• Protection from infections: Protect yourself from infections during pregnancy and after the baby is born.
• Taking care of your child's safety: Prevent possible accidents (such as falls) to your child's head.