Saturday, May 26, 2012

Cerebral palsy

Table of Contents

  • Control gastroesophageal reflux
  • Cut certain nerves from the spinal cord to help with pain and spasticity
  • Place feeding tubes
  • Release joint contractures

Stress and burnout among parents and other caregivers of cerebral palsy patients is common, and should be monitored.


Support Groups

For organizations that provide support and additional information, see cerebral palsy resources.


Expectations (prognosis)

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disorder. Long-term care may be required. The disorder does not affect expected length of life. The amount of disability varies.

Many adults are able to live in the community, either independently or with different levels of help. In severe cases, the person may need to be placed in an institution.


Complications
  • Bone thinning or osteoporosis
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Hip dislocation and arthritis in the hip joint
  • Injuries from falls
  • Joint contractures
  • Pneumonia caused by choking
  • Poor nutrition
  • Reduced communication skills (sometimes)
  • Reduced intellect (sometimes)
  • Scoliosis
  • Seizures (in about half of patients)
  • Social stigma

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if symptoms of cerebral palsy develop, especially if you know that an injury occurred during birth or early infancy.


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Review Date: 09/16/2009
Reviewed By: Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital; and Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)