Cerebral palsy

If your child is showing symptoms of cerebral palsy, they will be affected by muscle disorder and movement problems. Cerebral Palsy is caused by damage to a child's developing brain; a brain injury can interrupts the child's ability to control balance and movement, and as a result impacting their posture.

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What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy encompasses a group of neurological conditions. They are the result of an injury to the brain that can happen before, during or after birth. Whilst there isn't a cure for cerebral palsy, there are treatments, medications, and surgery which can help improve a child's motor skills and ability to communicate with the world. Our consultants will discuss the the range of treatments to help your child and their development.

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What are the symptoms of cerebral palsy?

Symptoms of cerebral palsy aren't immediately obvious in a newborn baby. They become clearer during the toddler stage of development. These include:

delay in development such as sitting and walking
unnatural stiffness or floppiness
weak arms and/or legs
clumsy and uncontrolled movements
muscle spasms

How is cerebral palsy diagnosed?

Your child's consultant will discuss their symptoms with you to help make a diagnosis. They may discuss your child's medical history and development. Tests they may then carry out can include:

brain scans (MRI or CT)
electroencephalogram (EEG)
small pads are placed on your child's scalp to assess brain activity
electromyogram (EMG)
blood tests

Potential treatment options

Your child's consultant will discuss treatment options available. These may include:

Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR). This is a surgical operation available to children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. It's purpose is to improve their walking ability. SDR is possible for children between the age of four and twelve
Removable hand splints to help support muscles and joints - Injections to treat and relax muscles.
Temporary casting to hold muscles in place.
Physiotherapy seeks to promote movement, build strength and muscles.
Speech therapy.
Various medication may be advised to help muscle stiffness, and everyday issues such as sleeping.

cerebral palsy treatments

Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR)

If your child has been diagnosed with spastic diplegia - a condition that affects 25% of children with cerebral palsy - they may find it difficult to walk due to stiffness in their legs. Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) - a specialist spinal cord procedure - can help. This operation is followed by physiotherapy and will be monitored for up to two years to increase the effectiveness of the operation.

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