Cerebral palsy in children
Cerebral palsy is a serious condition that can greatly affect children's lives, movement and daily functions.
On this page, we review the causes of cerebral palsy in children and how physical therapy helps in treating it.
First: What is cerebral palsy in children?
Cerebral palsy is a group of movement disorders that result from damage to the brain before, during, or after birth in early childhood, affecting a child's ability to control their muscles and movements, leading to difficulties with mobility and balance, and sometimes in the ability to speak and eat.
Second: What are the most prominent symptoms of cerebral palsy?
The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary from one child to another and depend on the severity of brain damage, but the most prominent symptoms that may appear upon infection are:
- Delayed motor development: such as sitting, crawling, standing, and walking.
- Difficulties with movement: The child may be slow to move, have uncoordinated movements, or have muscle spasms.
- Problems with balance and coordination: The child may have difficulty maintaining balance, or coordinating the movements of the hands and feet.
- Difficulties with speech: Speech may be unclear or slow, or the child may have difficulty understanding language.
- Problems with swallowing: The child may have difficulty swallowing food and drink.
- Problems with perception and senses: The child may have problems with vision or hearing, or with understanding sensory information.
- Problems with learning: The child may have learning difficulties, such as difficulty concentrating or understanding complex concepts.
Third: What are the most prominent causes of cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a health problem that results mainly from brain damage and therefore it may occur as a result of several factors, including:
- Lack of oxygen during birth: The fetus’s brain may be exposed to a lack of oxygen during birth, which leads to damage to brain cells.
- Brain infections such as meningitis: Brain infections during the first months of a child’s life, such as meningitis, can lead to brain damage.
- Head injuries after birth: Severe head injuries can cause brain damage and lead to cerebral palsy.
- Premature birth: Premature babies are more likely to develop cerebral palsy, especially if the birth weight is low
- Genetic factors: Some rare genetic disorders are associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy, such as problems with brain development and disorders of the blood vessels
Fourth: When should you see a doctor?
Parents should see a doctor if they notice any of the following signs in their child:
- A noticeable delay in achieving basic motor skills such as sitting or walking.
- Abnormal muscle stiffness or relaxation.
- Difficulty eating or breathing.
- Problems with muscle control or balance.
Fifth: What will we offer you at Therapy Stages center?
At Therapy Stages center, we are keen to provide a comprehensive physical therapy program specifically designed to meet the needs of each child with cerebral palsy, including:
- A comprehensive assessment of the child’s condition and determining treatment goals.
- Physiotherapy sessions aimed at improving the ability to move and balance.
- Manual therapy techniques to stimulate muscles and relieve spasms.
- Training programs to improve the ability to perform daily activities.
- Support and guidance for parents on how to follow up on treatment at home.
- Continuous follow-up to evaluate the child’s progress and modify the treatment plan as needed.
At Therapy Stages center, we believe that early and specialized intervention can contribute significantly to improving the quality of life for children with cerebral palsy, and we work hard to achieve the best possible results for each child.
Contact us now
If you are looking for the best support and care for your child after suffering from cerebral palsy, do not hesitate to contact us as we will provide the necessary assessment and develop a customized treatment plan that suits your child’s needs and achieves the best results.