In this article, Dr. Ratnav Ratan a leading Orthopedist from Gurgaon talks about “What Is Cerebral Palsy and what are the symptoms associated with it?”
Dr. Ratnav Ratan is one of the premier orthopedists in Gurgaon. He has more than 13 years of hands-on experience in pediatric orthopedics, sports medicine, and limb restoration operations. Currently, he is collaborating with W Pratiksha Hospital Miracles Mediclinic Hospital and Aryan Hospital in Gurgaon as a consultant in pediatric orthopedics and sports injuries.
Now let’s understand the article that talks about cerebral palsy and the causes, prevention & symptoms of it.
It’s one of the most prevalent disabilities that might appear before, during, or soon after a kid is born. The terms ‘cerebral’ refers to brain and palsy means muscle difficulties.
It’s a catch-all phrase for a variety of neurological conditions that limit a child’s muscle strength or growth due to damage to certain regions of the brain.
Medication, therapy, and surgery are the most common treatments for cerebral palsy. Treatment for cerebral palsy aims to manage symptoms, decrease discomfort, and increase independence in order to live a long and healthy life.
Cerebral palsy treatment is adapted to each individual’s symptoms in order to target and treat them.
The first signs and symptoms develop throughout the early childhood or preschool years. In general, cerebral palsy is characterized by poor mobility that is accompanied by excessive reflexes, floppiness or spasticity of the limbs and trunk, atypical posture, involuntary motions, unstable walking, or any combination of these characteristics.
People with cerebral palsy can have difficulty eating and are more likely to develop eye muscle imbalance, which occurs when the eyes do not focus on the same object at the same time. As a result of muscular stiffness, they may also have a restricted range of motion at various joints throughout their bodies.
The underlying cause of cerebral palsy, as well as its impact on function, are highly variable. Some people with cerebral palsy are able to walk, but others require support
Some persons are affected by intellectual disability, whereas others are not affected. It is possible to have epilepsy, blindness, or deafness as well. Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that lasts a lifetime. Although there is no cure, medications can help patients function better notes Dr. Ratnav Ratan one of the best orthopedists in Gurgoan.
Symptoms
People with cerebral palsy have a wide range of signs and symptoms that are unique to them. Cerebral palsy can affect the entire body or it can be restricted to one or two limbs or one side of the body. It can also affect the entire brain.
General indications and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include difficulties with movement and coordination, difficulties speaking and eating, developmental delays, and other issues.
- Movement and synchronization are important
- Spasticity is the most prevalent movement disease, characterized by stiff muscles and excessive reflexes
- The presence of a variety of muscular tone variations, such as being either overly stiff or too floppy
- Tremors or jerky involuntary movements are a type of tremor
- Movements that are slow and writhing
- Using one side of the body more than the other, such as reaching with only one hand or dragging one leg when crawling
- Walkers with difficulty walking may exhibit characteristics such as walking on toes, walking on the balls of their feet, walking with knees crossed, walking in wide strides, or walking in an asymmetrical gait
Causes
According to Dr. Ratnav Ratan a leading orthopedist from Gurgoan, It is believed that aberrant brain development or injury to the developing brain is the root cause of cerebral palsy. This normally occurs before a kid is born, although it can also occur before birth or during the first few months of a child’s life.
In many instances, the exact cause is unknown. There are a variety of circumstances that can contribute to issues with brain development. Some examples are as follows:
- The presence of gene mutations that cause genetic illnesses or variations in the development of the brain
- Infections in the mother that have an impact on the growing fetus
- Fetal stroke is defined as an interruption in the blood flow to the developing brain during pregnancy.
- In the womb or as a baby, bleeding into the brain is a possibility.
- Infections in or near the brain that affect infants can induce inflammation.
- Accidental traumatic brain injury to an infant, such as that caused by a car accident, a fall, or physical abuse
- Although birth-related asphyxia is a considerably less prevalent cause of death than was previously thought, it is nevertheless a serious medical condition that should be avoided.
Prevention
Although cerebral palsy cannot be prevented in the vast majority of instances, it can be minimized. In order to stay healthy and reduce the likelihood of pregnancy issues, you should follow these recommendations if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant:
Make certain that you are up to date on your vaccinations
The vaccination against diseases such as rubella, preferably before becoming pregnant, may help to prevent an infection that could result in fetal brain damage in the event of pregnancy.
Take excellent care of yourself
The healthier you are prior to becoming pregnant, the less likely it is that you may contract an illness that will result in cerebral palsy in your child says Dr. Ratnav Ratan a top orthopedist in Gurgoan.
