Cerebral Palsy

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a child’s movement, muscle tone, posture, and coordination due to damage or abnormal development of the brain, often before or during birth. CP is non-progressive, meaning the brain damage doesn’t worsen over time, but its effects on the body may change as the child grows.

Every child with CP is unique—some may have mild movement issues, while others may require lifelong support.

Key Facts About Cerebral Palsy

• CP is the most common motor disability in children
• It affects about 2 to 3 children per 1,000 births
• Symptoms appear in the first 2 years of life
• It may affect one limb, one side, or the entire body
• Early diagnosis and therapy can improve outcomes dramatically

Causes of Cerebral Palsy

CP results from damage to the developing brain, often occurring:

• Before birth (due to infections, lack of oxygen, maternal illness)
• During labor and delivery (complications, prematurity)
• After birth (brain injury, jaundice, infections like meningitis)
• Risk factors include:
• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Multiple births (twins, triplets)
• Maternal infections during pregnancy
• Birth asphyxia (lack of oxygen at birth)

Symptoms and Consequences

Common Signs of CP in Children:

• Delayed milestones (sitting, crawling, walking)
• Stiff or floppy limbs
• Poor head control in infants
• Favoring one side of the body
• Difficulty in speaking, swallowing, or eating
• Seizures or intellectual disabilities in some cases

• Joint deformities from spasticity
• Muscle contractures
• Bone dislocations (hip, spine)
• Gait abnormalities (toe-walking, scissoring)
• Dependence on assistive devices

Cerebral Palsy Treatment at Child OrthoCare

At Child OrthoCare, led by Dr. Nargesh Agrawal, we offer comprehensive, multidisciplinary care to help every child with CP reach their full potential.

1. Clinical and Functional Assessment:

• Detailed physical and neurological exams
• Gait analysis and functional movement studies
• Brain imaging and muscle tone grading

2. Non-Surgical Interventions:

• Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy: Core treatment to improve strength, mobility, and independence
• Speech Therapy: For children with communication or feeding difficulties
• Orthotics: Braces or splints to support weak muscles or correct limb position
• Medications: To reduce spasticity (e.g., baclofen, botulinum toxin)

• Tendon lengthening to relieve tightness and improve movement
• Hip reconstruction in children with dislocations
• Spinal deformity correction (in severe cases)
• Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) in select children for spasticity relief

• Guidance on daily care, nutrition, and home exercises
• Emotional support and realistic goal setting
• Help accessing special education and social services

Did You Know?

• Early therapy can begin as soon as CP is suspected, even before formal diagnosis
• Children with CP can attend school, play sports, and live independent lives with the right support
• One-third of children with CP may have normal intelligence
• Assistive devices like walkers and communication aids greatly enhance quality of life

Myths and Facts About Cerebral Palsy

Myth: CP is a mental disorder.
Fact: CP is a physical disability caused by brain injury; some children may have normal or even above-average intelligence.

Myth: CP always worsens with age.
Fact: CP is non-progressive; early intervention helps manage challenges effectively.

Myth: CP can be cured completely.
Fact: While there is no cure, therapy and surgery can drastically improve function and independence.

Myth: Children with CP cannot walk or talk.
Fact: Many children with CP can walk, talk, and participate fully in daily life with support.