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21 - Cerebral palsy
from Part II - Neurological diseases
- By Karin B. Nelson
Albert Hofman, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Richard Mayeux, Columbia University, New York
Book:

Investigating Neurological Disease

Published online:

29 September 2009

Print publication:

30 August 2001, pp 281-290
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Summary

Cerebral palsy (CP) may be categorized into its clinical subtypes (spastic quadriplegia, diplegia, hemiplegia; dyskinetic or ataxic forms, and mixed), by severity. It may be further grouped according to whether or not etiology is considered known through neuroimaging, chromosomal, metabolic, or other evidence. The hypothesis that birth asphyxia is a major cause of CP has not led to the development of therapies producing a net decrease in CP. Known risk factors for CP in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants differ somewhat from those in term babies. The diagnosis of CP rests on identification of abnormalities of tone, reflexes, and posture, as assessed after the first year of life and preferably not before age 3 years; earlier diagnostic assessments are unstable, especially in children born prematurely. The goals of intervention in CP are to improve function, prevent deformities and discomfort, and make care easier.