cerebral palsy surgery

Surgical Treatment of Cerebral Palsy in Children

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP is the most common motor disability in childhood.

Cerebral means having to do with the brain. Palsy means weakness or problems with using the muscles

Causes

Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects a person’s ability to control his or her muscles.

Symptoms

The symptoms of CP vary from person to person. A person with severe CP might need to use special equipment to be able to walk, or might not be able to walk at all and might need lifelong care. A person with mild CP, on the other hand, might walk a little awkwardly, but might not need any special help. CP does not get worse over time, though the exact symptoms can change over a person’s lifetime.

What are common treatments for cerebral palsy?

A child may need one or more medications to control muscle tone. In severe cases botox injections might be required to assist walking independently. Surgical treatments are sometimes required for treatment of static contractures or dislocation of hip due to excessive muscle tone.

Although the initial damage of cerebral palsy in the brain cannot be reversed, earlier and aggressive treatments may help to improve function and adjustments for the developing nervous system as the brain growth continues upto the age of 5 years.