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Cerebral Palsy Research Paper

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Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a broad term used to describe symptoms appearing in the first few years of life that impair (make difficult) control of movement and/or muscle tone.
The symptoms are caused by either faulty development or injury to the areas of the brain that control motor (movement) function and posture. Cerebral palsy may be passed on from parents (congenital) or acquired after birth. Common causes of cerebral palsy include:
• Head Injury.
• Meningitis.
• Genetic Disorders.
• Stroke before birth.
• Lack of Oxygen to the Brain.
• Prematurity.
Cerebral palsy does not always cause profound handicap. Early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before 3 years of age. Infants with cerebral palsy are frequently …show more content…

Some people with cerebral palsy are also affected by other medical problems including:
• Seizures (convulsions).
• Mental impairment.

DIAGNOSIS
Doctors diagnose cerebral palsy by:
• Testing muscle tone, motor skills and reflexes.
• Medical history.
• Blood tests if necessary.
• Imaging of the Brain and/or Spinal Cord (head ultrasound, CT, and/or MRI).
Although symptoms may change over time, cerebral palsy by definition is not progressive (does not get worse). If a patient shows worsening problems, the diagnosis may be something other than cerebral palsy.

CLASSIFICATION OF CEREBRAL PALSY BY LOCATION
Cerebral palsy can be classified by the number of limbs involved or by the movement. There is also a combined classification that involves a mixture of different variations of CP. About one quarter of people with CP have a mixed form of the disease.
• Quadriplegia - All four of the limbs are involved.
• Diplegia - The legs are involved with no arm problems.
• Hemiplegia - One side of the body is affected, usually the arm more than the leg.
• Triplegia - Three limbs are involved, usually one leg and both arms.
• Monoplegia - One limb is affected, usually an

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