What is cerebral palsy in children? Causes and symptoms

Cerebral palsy is a widespread neurological condition that manifests as irreversible but non-progressive damage to the brain. This condition can occur during pregnancy, at birth or during the period of early childhood development. The disease affects the brain during its developmental period - from birth to the first five years of a child's life.

What are the forms of cerebral palsy?

• Spastic Cerebral Palsy: This is the most common form of the disease, affecting about 70-80% of all cases. It is characterized by stiffness of the muscles which makes movements difficult. These children often have trouble walking and performing various motor functions.

• Athetoid Cerebral Palsy: This form accounts for about 10-20% of cases and is characterized by uncontrollable, slow and writhing movements. These movements can affect the hands, feet and even the face, making daily activities a real challenge.

• Atactic cerebral palsy: This is the rarest form, affecting about 5-10% of cases. It is characterized by problems in coordination and balance. Children with this form have an unsteady gait and difficulty with precise movements such as writing or pushing small objects.

Affected functions and manifestations

The impairment can affect various functions of movement and coordination, including:

• Problems with muscle tone

• Movement disorders

• Lack of balance and coordination

Cerebral palsy: causes

The neurological condition occurs as a result of damage or improper development of the brain, which can happen before, during or after birth. This damage affects the brain's ability to control muscles and impairs coordination, leading to various forms of motor impairment.

Internal (prenatal) factors

Prenatal factors are those that affect the fetus during pregnancy. These include:

• Rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis and other infections can damage the developing fetal brain.

• Diabetes, high blood pressure and other chronic diseases can increase the risk of fetal brain damage.

• Hypoxia (lack of oxygen) can cause damage to brain cells.

External (postnatal) factors

Postnatal factors affect the baby after birth and can also contribute to the development of the condition:

• A long or difficult birthing process, including cesarean section at birth, can cause physical damage to the brain.

• Meningitis, encephalitis, and other severe infections can damage a newborn's brain tissue.

• Bumps or falls that cause brain trauma can lead to damage.

• Genetic mutations and inherited diseases can predispose to the development of the condition, in the presence of additional prenatal or postnatal stressors.

Adverse living conditions, poor medical care and lack of appropriate prenatal care can also increase the risk of developing this condition.

Cerebral palsy: symptoms

Recognition of early symptoms is essential for timely diagnosis. Parents and doctors should be alert and watch for the following signs that may indicate the development of this condition:

Delay in motor development

One of the most common and early symptoms is delay in motor development. Parents may notice that their little one is not covering the standard developmental milestones such as sitting, crawling or walking in the usual time frames. If a child cannot sit up independently by 8 months or does not start walking by 18 months, this may be a sign of motor difficulties.

Abnormal body movements or postures

Another early manifestation is atypical body movements or positions. Children may have uncontrollable or clumsy movements that appear unnatural. If he holds his arm or leg in an odd posture or performs movements that are unusual for his age. Spastic movements, where muscles are too tight and clumsy, are also a common symptom.

Coordination and balance problems

Coordination and balance problems are also among the first signs of cerebral palsy. Parents may notice difficulty standing, walking or performing tasks that require the use of fine motor skills such as grasping small objects. Children with the atactic form of cerebral palsy, for example, may have an unsteady gait and fall frequently, while those with the athetoid form may have uncontrollable and slow movements.

Can children with cerebral palsy have a normal life?

This condition is often perceived as a severe diagnosis, but with appropriate support and interventions, children with cerebral palsy can live full lives. The options for children are numerous and depend on each child's individual needs and abilities.

What are the options for children with cerebral palsy?

Children with this brain injury can attend school, participate in sports and cultural activities and develop their talents and skills. Many excel in areas such as art, music and even sports that are adapted to their physical abilities.

What is the role of early intervention and therapies?

Early intervention is essential. It involves different forms of therapy that help improve motor skills, communication and social abilities. Physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and improve coordination. Occupational therapy focuses on developing fine motor skills and activities of daily living, while speech therapy helps improve speech and communication.

Support and adaptation

Support from the family, school and community is key to children's successful integration into society. Adapted curricula, resource teachers and technological aids can greatly facilitate the learning process and daily life of children.

Treatment costs

The treatment and maintenance therapy of a child with cerebral palsy requires significant financial resources that often become a challenge for families. Costs include medical care, therapies, specialized equipment and other accompanying needs.

• Annual medical costs are many times higher than those of a child without a disability. This includes frequent visits to specialists, medical checkups, and treatment for co-occurring health problems.

• Children need regular sessions in the various therapeutic modalities that are essential for improving motor skills and communication. Unfortunately, they are a significant expense for families, especially when regularity of at least several sessions per week is required.

• Specialised equipment such as wheelchairs, communication devices and mobility aids are needed to ensure maximum mobility and independence. These aids are extremely expensive but are essential for the quality of life of the persons concerned.

• Medication to control spasticity and pain, as well as the necessary surgical interventions, are part of comprehensive care. These therapeutic agents also contribute to the high costs associated with this disease.

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