6. Cerebral Palsy

what’s cerebral palsy?

a lifelong disorder of movement and posture caused by abnormal development of or injury to the developing brain

• group of disorders

• affects every child differently

• brain injury is non progressive but the way it affects the child develops

which infants have a higher risk of cerebral palsy?

premature and low birth weight infants

what are the primary signs of cerebral palsy?

• motor impairments like spasticity

• muscle weakness

• ataxia

what complications may occur with cerebral palsy?

• cognitive impairments

• seizures

• growth problems

• impaired vision or hearing

• abnormal sensation or perception

• hydrocephalus

how can cerebral palsy manifestations change if the brain lesion is nonprogressive?

the original brain injury doesn’t worsen, but stiffness, contractures, and orthopedic problems can become more apparent as the child grows

what distinguishes the main movement types of cerebral palsy?

• spastic: increased muscle tone and stiffness, most common

• dyskinetic: involuntary movements and fluctuating muscle tone

• ataxic impaired balance and coordination

• mixed: features of more than one type

what’s the treatment goal for cerebral palsy?

optimal development and function through individualized, multidisciplinary care

• no standard treatment

what’s baclofen used for in cerebral palsy? *

reducing painful muscle spasms and spasticity

how should the nurse evaluate baclofen’s effectiveness in cerebral palsy? *

• assess motor function through ROM

• monitor for decrease in spasticity

how can baclofen be administered for cerebral palsy?

orally or intrathecally through an implanted pump

why is scopolamine used in cerebral palsy?

to decrease saliva and control drooling

what additional medication therapy may a child with cerebral palsy need?

anticonvulsants if seizures occur

what surgical interventions may be needed for cerebral palsy?

• correction of deformities related to spasticity

• shunt placement for hydrocephalus