Cerebral Palsy Overview and Pathophysiology

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Questions and Answers

What is the defining characteristic of Cerebral Palsy?

  • A delay in reaching specific developmental milestones.
  • A specific event or time that causes the condition.
  • A blood or diagnostic test that confirms the condition.
  • Altered body movement and muscle coordination. (correct)

What is a defining factor in diagnosing Cerebral Palsy?

  • A blood test that reveals a specific antigen.
  • The absence of a definable event or time of onset.
  • A specific event that triggers the condition.
  • A neurologic exam revealing abnormal movements or reflexes. (correct)

Why is a definitive diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy often delayed?

  • There's usually no specific event that can be identified as the cause. (correct)
  • The symptoms are often mild and go unnoticed.
  • It's a rare condition and doctors aren't familiar with its diagnosis.
  • Doctors prefer to wait for multiple symptoms to appear before reaching a conclusion.

Why is treatment for Cerebral Palsy considered supportive?

<p>There's no known cure for the condition. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most accurate description of cerebral palsy?

<p>A non-progressive encephalopathy influencing upper motor neurons. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is NOT typically considered a common cause of cerebral palsy during the perinatal period?

<p>Genetic Predisposition (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential clinical manifestation of cerebral palsy?

<p>Progressive muscle weakness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary developmental stage during which the damage leading to cerebral palsy typically occurs?

<p>Before, during, or after birth up to 1 year of age (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important factor determining the severity of cerebral palsy?

<p>The type and severity of the injury (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Cerebral Palsy

A non-progressive encephalopathy causing neuromuscular disorders affecting movement and muscle tone.

Encephalopathy

A general term for any diffuse disease of the brain that alters brain function or structure.

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

Events damaging upper motor neurons during the antenatal or postnatal period, affecting brain development.

Anoxia/Hypoxia

Lack of oxygen (anoxia) or insufficiency of oxygen (hypoxia) during crucial development periods.

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Low Birth Weight

A condition where a newborn weighs less than 5.5 pounds, often associated with complications.

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Cerebral Palsy Symptoms

Symptoms include altered movement, coordination issues, and developmental delays.

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Diagnostic Criteria for CP

Diagnosis requires history, physical exam, and exclusion of other conditions, often at 18 months.

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Motor Skills in CP

Children may struggle with reaching milestones like sitting and walking.

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Cerebral Palsy Treatment

No cure; treatment focuses on managing symptoms with therapies and medications.

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Seizures in CP

Seizure disorders are common, caused by impaired neurological transmission.

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Study Notes

Cerebral Palsy

  • Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive (static) encephalopathy.
  • It's a group of neuromuscular disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, and posture.
  • Associated with intellectual disability, seizures, and other problems.
  • Cause: damage to upper motor neurons before, during, or after birth (up to one year of age).

Cerebral Palsy Pathophysiology

  • Genetic, teratogenic, and early pregnancy influences contribute to CP development.
  • Multifactorial and not fully understood.
  • Perinatal factors like anoxia/hypoxia, trauma, and infections are significant.
  • Birth complications like low birth weight and asphyxia are frequent factors.
  • Metabolic acidosis in the umbilical cord is a sign of damage.
  • Severity depends on gestational age at injury and the type and degree of injury.

Cerebral Palsy Clinical Manifestations

  • Symptoms vary significantly among individuals.
  • Altered body movement and muscle coordination are common.
  • Milestones like reaching, sitting, and walking are delayed in infancy.
  • Range of motor dysfunction, from mild to severe disability.
  • Difficulty with fine motor skills and coordination.
  • Cognitive function, speech, and mental disorders can occur.
  • Seizures or epilepsy are due to impaired chemical and electrical neurological transmission.

Cerebral Palsy Diagnostic Criteria

  • Diagnosing CP is challenging as there isn't a definitive test.
  • A diagnosis is often made through exclusion.
  • Detailed medical history and physical exam are conducted.
  • Neurological exams, including motor skills assessments and reflexes, are crucial.
  • Presence of abnormal movements or reflexes is observed.
  • Developmental milestones (reaching, sitting, walking) are assessed.
  • Diagnosis is often made after 18 months of age.

Cerebral Palsy Treatment

  • No known cure exists.
  • Supportive treatment addresses symptoms.
  • Pharmacologic interventions include controlling seizures and reducing muscle spasms.
  • Assistive devices help daily living activities.
  • Multidisciplinary therapies (physical, occupational, emotional, speech) are crucial for improving function and quality of life.
  • Ongoing assessment, evaluation, and revision of the treatment plan are necessary.

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