Introduction
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical impairment in childhood, affecting around 1 in 400 children in the UK. This means that about 1,800 babies are diagnosed with CP every year. It is a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination, muscle tone and posture.
Symptoms and presentation in children
Children with cerebral palsy may exhibit a wide range of symptoms, including difficulty with muscle coordination, involuntary movements and delays in reaching developmental milestones such as crawling or walking. Depending on the type and severity of CP, symptoms can vary from mild to severe, affecting one or more limbs or the entire body.
Causes and risk factors in children
Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance and posture. This damage can occur during pregnancy, childbirth or shortly after birth. Risk factors for cerebral palsy include premature birth, low birth weight, infections during pregnancy and certain genetic factors.
Diagnosis and treatment for paediatric patients
Diagnosing cerebral palsy typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination and possibly imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to assess brain structure and function. Treatment may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medications to manage symptoms and in some cases, surgical interventions.