Introduction and Definition
Cerebral palsy (CP) is defined as a group of nonspecific, nonprogressive disorders of posture and movement control, where cerebral refers to the brain and palsy refers to the loss or impairment of motor function (Hadders-Algra, 2014, p. 1; NINDS, 2013). It is the leading cause of childhood disability and is reported in 2-3.3 per 1,000 births (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [NINDS], 2013). This means that its diagnosis varies from case to case, it does not get worse over time, and it always affects some aspect of muscle tone and movement control. CP appears in infancy and early childhood and its diagnosis is specific to children under the age of 5 years old, but is primarily diagnosed in infancy.
Neuroanatomy and Physiology CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to one …show more content…
Localized injections of Botulinum toxin (Botox), is now a standard treatment for children with spastic movement disorders, including CP (NINDS, 2013). Botox inhibits the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, which interrupts the signals for muscle contractions. These injections prevent the muscle from over-contracting and allow a brief period of 3 to 6 months of reduced spasticity, giving therapists and families time to work with the affected children to strengthen weak muscles in the limb while the stronger muscle is relaxed (Shamsoddini, et al., 2014, p. 347). Constraint-induced therapy (CIT), involves casting the stronger limb to force the weaker limb to perform intensive activities. The therapies are practiced every day over a period of several weeks, allowing the weaker muscles to grow stronger with use (NINDS, 2013). Similarly, ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are used to limit common ankle movements associated with CP that make walking difficult, such as tiptoeing, and improve walking ability (Shamsoddini, et al., 2014, p. 348).
Cerebral palsy (CP) is defined as a group of nonspecific, nonprogressive disorders of posture and movement control, where cerebral refers to the brain and palsy refers to the loss or impairment of motor function (Hadders-Algra, 2014, p. 1; NINDS, 2013). It is the leading cause of childhood disability and is reported in 2-3.3 per 1,000 births (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [NINDS], 2013). This means that its diagnosis varies from case to case, it does not get worse over time, and it always affects some aspect of muscle tone and movement control. CP appears in infancy and early childhood and its diagnosis is specific to children under the age of 5 years old, but is primarily diagnosed in infancy.
Neuroanatomy and Physiology CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to one …show more content…
Localized injections of Botulinum toxin (Botox), is now a standard treatment for children with spastic movement disorders, including CP (NINDS, 2013). Botox inhibits the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, which interrupts the signals for muscle contractions. These injections prevent the muscle from over-contracting and allow a brief period of 3 to 6 months of reduced spasticity, giving therapists and families time to work with the affected children to strengthen weak muscles in the limb while the stronger muscle is relaxed (Shamsoddini, et al., 2014, p. 347). Constraint-induced therapy (CIT), involves casting the stronger limb to force the weaker limb to perform intensive activities. The therapies are practiced every day over a period of several weeks, allowing the weaker muscles to grow stronger with use (NINDS, 2013). Similarly, ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) are used to limit common ankle movements associated with CP that make walking difficult, such as tiptoeing, and improve walking ability (Shamsoddini, et al., 2014, p. 348).