NLST - Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy

A group of permanent, non-progressive neurological disorders caused by injury or abnormal development of the developing brain

Movement, Muscle tone, Posture

The three primary areas affected by Cerebral Palsy

Motor cortex/Basal ganglia

The two specific areas of the brain where damage results in CP motor control issues

TORCH infections

The term for intrauterine infections that serve as a prenatal cause of CP

Prematurity

This is identified as the most common risk factor for CP under perinatal factors

Kernicterus

A postnatal factor of CP characterized by brain damage from severe jaundice

Delayed milestones

An early symptom of CP in infants, such as not being able to roll or sit on time

Spasticity

The specific motor result of damage to the motor cortex

Dyskinesia

The specific motor result of damage to the basal ganglia

Ataxia

The specific motor result of damage to the cerebellum, affecting balance and positioning

Spastic CP

The most common form of CP (70-80%), characterized by hypertonia and stiff, jerky movements

Hemiplegia

A classification of CP distribution that affects only one side of the body

Diplegia

CP body distribution that primarily affects the lower limbs

Quadriplegia

The most severe body distribution of CP, affecting all four limbs

Dysphagia

A major feeding and gastrointestinal issue in CP characterized by difficulty swallowing

90-120%

The adjusted percentage of recommended energy intake for children with CP based on growth status

1.5-2.0 g/kg/day

The daily protein requirement for CP patients to support growth and muscle maintenance

Calcium & Vitamin D

Two micronutrients critical for preventing osteopenia and fractures in immobile CP patients

30 minutes

Feeding time should be limited to avoid exceeding this duration to prevent fatigue or aspiration risk

Gastrostomy

The method of enteral nutrition indicated for long-term management of severe dysphagia or failure to thrive

Baclofen

A commonly used muscle relaxant medication for medical management of CP