Unmasking the Enigma of Cerebral Palsy: A Traditional Review
Bryan A Ikeudenta1, Ian H Rutkofsky1
1Psychiatry, Neuroscience, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.
Insights
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common pediatric neuromuscular disorder affecting motor function and intellectual capacity, often linked to prematurity. This review educates healthcare providers and families on CP
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Disabilities
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is the leading cause of pediatric neurological and motor disability.
- It encompasses various subtypes, with spastic CP being the most prevalent.
- CP is frequently associated with prematurity, impacting nerve and motor function, and intellectual capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive educational resource on cerebral palsy for physicians, healthcare teams, and families.
- To elucidate the etiologies, diagnostic methods, and assessment techniques for CP.
- To discuss prevention strategies and rehabilitation interventions for improving the quality of life in individuals with CP.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of peer-reviewed publications.
- Literature search conducted using the PubMed database.
- Articles selected based on English language, publication within the last 10 years, and relevance to CP.
Main Results:
- Cerebral palsy diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation, with imaging findings showing positive correlations.
- Associated conditions include nutritional deficiencies and gastrointestinal dysfunction.
- Numerous interventions and treatments aim to maximize patient and family quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of cerebral palsy requires a multidisciplinary approach.
- Understanding CP's complexities is crucial for addressing associated challenges like frustration and anxiety.
- The primary goal of CP management is to achieve the highest possible quality of life for both the child and their family.
Abstract:
Cerebral palsy is a group of neuromuscular diseases that is primarily common in the pediatric population and is the most common cause of neurological and motor disability in children. Cerebral palsy is comprised of various subtypes with the most common type being spastic cerebral palsy. It is highly associated with prematurity and affects nerve function, motor function, and intellectual capacity. It is also associated with nutritional deficiencies and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Cerebral palsy is diagnosed via clinical evaluation and does not have specific laboratory or image findings, but certain imaging findings are positively correlated with it. There are numerous interventions and treatment modalities that are aimed at ensuring the highest quality of life for the patient and their families. This article was compiled with peer-reviewed publications from the PubMed database in which various keywords were utilized in the search engine. These peer-reviewed articles were selected without geographical restrictions and selected based on the use of the English language. These articles were also selected on the restriction of publication within the last 10 years. This review article on cerebral palsy will serve as a medium of education for the physician, healthcare team, and family involved in the management of children or adults with cerebral palsy. It is important because it discusses the possible etiologies, diagnostic and assessment techniques, prevention methods, and possible rehabilitation interventions. This article aims to broaden the reader's understanding of cerebral palsy and answer any questions that may arise during the management of this disease. The management of cerebral palsy is often plagued with frustration, depression, and anxiety. The main goal of treatment is to attain the highest quality of life for the family and the child.
