Neurological condition cerebral palsy (CP) affects mobility, muscle tone, and motor abilities. It usually arises in early childhood due to brain injury or atypical growth. CP is a lifelong disorder with varying severity and symptoms. Cerebral palsy has no cure, however physiotherapy can improve quality of life. An summary of cerebral palsy and how physiotherapy can help:
Cerebral palsy types:
Cerebral palsy is classified by movement and muscle tone:
- Spastic CP: Muscle stiffness and movement control issues.
- Dyskinetic CP: Uncontrolled motions.
- Mixed CP: Combines features from multiple types.
Cerebral Palsy Causes:
- Brain injury before or at birth or in the first few years of life causes cerebral palsy. Common causes:
- Infections, maternal illness, or foetal brain abnormalities are prenatal factors.
- Perinatal factors include oxygen deprivation, early birth, and low birth weight.
- Postnatal factors include infections, TBIs, and medical problems.
Treatment:
- Cerebral Palsy Therapy: Physiotherapy is essential for cerebral palsy. CP patients benefit from skilled physiotherapy in mobility, motor skills, coordination, and quality of life.
- Assistants and Equipment: Physiotherapists may recommend and train people to use braces, walkers, and wheelchairs.
- Orthotics and Splinting: Supporting alignment, preventing deformities, and improving walking patterns with orthotics and splints.
- Medications.
- Parent and Carer Education: Physiotherapists teach parents and carers exercises, stretches, and mobility techniques.
Conclusion:
Complex cerebral palsy affects people differently. Brain palsy patients benefit from extensive and effective physiotherapy to improve mobility, motor abilities, and quality of life.