Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of non-progressive motor disorders caused by damage to the developing brain. Cerebral palsy can cause a range of movement difficulties, such as spasticity, athetosis, and ataxia, which can affect a child’s ability to control their movements, posture, and balance. In addition, cerebral palsy can cause a range of other impairments, such as cognitive impairment, sensory impairment, communication difficulties, and epilepsy.
Cerebral palsy is a significant health issue in India, affecting an estimated 3.3 to 3.6 million people. However, due to a lack of awareness and inadequate healthcare services, many cases of cerebral palsy in India remain undiagnosed and untreated.
Types of cerebral palsy
There are several types of cerebral palsy, classified based on the type of movement disorder and the body parts affected. The most common types of cerebral palsy are:
Spastic cerebral palsy: 70 percent to 80 percent of people with CP suffer from spastic cerebral palsy. Muscles become tight and stiff, making even simple actions difficult and jerky.
Dyskinetic cerebral palsy: Dyskinetic cerebral palsy is characterized by involuntary, uncontrolled movements that can be slow and wriggling or fast and jerky. The inability to move one's limbs, face, or tongue is one of the symptoms of dyskinetic cerebral palsy.
Ataxic cerebral palsy: Balance and coordination are affected by ataxic cerebral palsy. Ataxic CP patients may have trouble writing or pressing clothes and appear shaky.
Mixed cerebral palsy: Mixed cerebral palsy occurs when one or more of the aforementioned forms of cerebral palsy coexist in a patient.
Causes of Cerebral Palsy:
Damage to the developing brain typically occurs before, during, or soon after birth, and this results in cerebral palsy. The specific cause of cerebral palsy may vary from person to person, but several risk factors are known to increase the likelihood of developing the condition. These include:
Prenatal Factors: Infections, toxins, and low brain oxygen during pregnancy can increase the likelihood of cerebral palsy.
Perinatal Factors: Birth asphyxia, premature birth, and low birth weight can also raise the risk of cerebral palsy.
Postnatal Factors: After birth, infections, head injuries, and oxygen deprivation from drowning or choking can cause cerebral palsy.
In some cases, the cause of cerebral palsy may be unknown. However, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing cerebral palsy, including:
Multiple Births: Multiple births, including twins, triplets, and more, have a higher risk of cerebral palsy compared to single births.
Low birth weight: The incidence of cerebral palsy is higher in multiple births than in single births.
Maternal Health Issues: Cerebral palsy is more common in children born to mothers who have specific medical conditions such as thyroid issues or high blood pressure.
Genetics: Cerebral palsy can sometimes be caused by a family history of the disorder.
Difficulties in India in diagnosing cerebral palsy
India's healthcare professionals and public lack awareness of cerebral palsy, making diagnosis difficult. Thus, many children with cerebral palsy aren't diagnosed until they're older, delaying treatment.
Cerebral palsy doctors, especially in rural areas, are in short supply. Many Indian families lack access to neurologists and physical therapists who can evaluate and manage cerebral palsy.
Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that affects how a person moves, stands, and uses their muscles. The severity of cerebral palsy symptoms can vary, and different regions of the human body, like the hands, legs, and face, can be affected. Some of the most common signs of cerebral palsy are:
Abnormal muscle tone: Individuals with cerebral palsy may have stiff muscles (spasticity), flaccid muscles (hypotonia), or some combination of the two.
Difficulty with movement: Reaching, grasping, and walking can all be challenging for someone with cerebral palsy. Actions may be sluggish, erratic, or jerky.
Abnormal posture: The curvature of the spine, pelvic tilt, and a twisted neck are all abnormal postures that can affect an individual with cerebral palsy.
Delayed developmental milestones: Delays in reaching developmental milestones like sitting up, walking, crawling, and talking are common in children with cerebral palsy.
Involuntary movements: Spasms and tremors are two examples of involuntary movements that individuals with cerebral palsy might experience.
Difficulty with speech and communication: Communication difficulties are common for people with cerebral palsy. Problems with speech, voice, or language comprehension are examples.
Seizures: Seizures are a possible side effect for some people with cerebral palsy.
Intellectual disabilities: Some individuals with cerebral palsy also experience mild to severe intellectual disabilities.
Vision or hearing impairments: The senses of sight and hearing may be impaired in individuals with cerebral palsy.
Complications of Cerebral Palsy:
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that can have various complications depending on its severity and type. Some of the most common complications of cerebral palsy include:
Difficulty with mobility: Wheelchairs, crutches, and braces may help cerebral palsy patients move. This may inhibit their ability to exercise and lead to a sedentary lifestyle, increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease, being overweight, and osteoporosis.
Musculoskeletal problems: Cerebral palsy has been linked to hip dislocation, scoliosis, and contractures of the joints. Pain and limited mobility are two symptoms of these problems.
Breathing difficulties: If a person with cerebral palsy has a weak or stiff chest and respiratory muscles, they may have trouble breathing.
Swallowing difficulties: If a person with cerebral palsy has trouble swallowing, they run the risk of aspirating food or liquid, which can cause pneumonia.
Communication difficulties: Individuals with cerebral palsy often struggle to express themselves, which can lead to problems in their personal and professional lives.
Intellectual disability: Intellectual disabilities can hinder a person's ability to learn, interact, and function independently, all of which are exacerbated by cerebral palsy.
Epilepsy: Seizures are a symptom of epilepsy, a neurological disorder that is more common in people with cerebral palsy.
Emotional and behavioral problems: Depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are all conditions that may be more common in people with cerebral palsy.
Care for people with cerebral palsy in India
Efforts are being made to enhance cerebral palsy care in India, despite the country's many obstacles. These actions consist of:
Increasing Awareness: Healthcare professionals, households, and the public are being educated about cerebral palsy by organizations and providers. This aids in early diagnosis and treatment.
Training Healthcare Professionals: Nurses, doctors, and therapists must be trained to recognize and treat cerebral palsy. This improves rural and low-income access to specialized care.
Improving Access to Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs and gadgets for communication can help kids who have cerebral palsy live better.
Advocating for Inclusive Education: Advocacy groups are promoting inclusive education for children with cerebral palsy to learn life skills.