Description
A group of disorders that affects many functions of the brain including movement, vision, sensation, thinking ability, and speech. Cerebral palsy (CP) is usually caused by injury to the brain while the baby is in the womb or during childbirth. There is no cure for CP. There are many types of CP including spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, hypotonic, and mixed.
Symptoms
Weakness, mental retardation, seizures, speech problems, visual abnormalities, spasticity, walking problems, twitching, floppy muscles.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT scan or MRI may be performed to identify the brain abnormality. An EEG will be done to determine the cause of any co-existing seizures.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: EEG
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine, Pediatric Neurology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT scan or MRI may be performed to identify the brain abnormality. An EEG will be done to determine the cause of any co-existing seizures.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: EEG
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Neonatal and Perinatal Medicine, Pediatric Neurology
Treatment
Depends on severity and cause of symptoms but may include: supportive therapy, physical therapy, braces, occupational therapy and/or special education.