Cerebral Palsy
A congenital disorder of movement, muscle tone, or posture.
How is it caused?
Brain injury or malformation that occurs before, during, or immediately after birth while the infant’s brain is under development.
How can it prevented?
- test for immunity to rubella (mother)
- vaccination for rubella if not immune
- baby is properly positioned in back seat
- vaccinations for baby to protect against meningitis
- mother avoids all alcohol and drugs while pregnant
Symptoms and effects of the condition
- exaggerated reflexes
- floppy/rigid limbs
- involuntary motion
How can it be detected?
- notice developmental delay or impaired muscle tone
- cranial ultrasounds, CT scan, and MRIs
How can it be treated?
- therapy
- adaptive equipment
- drug therapy
- surgical interventions