Cerebral Palsy

=Objectives=

Define Cerebral Palsy

 * Cerebral palsy
 * disorder characterized by abberant control of movement or posture of a patient appearing in early life secondary to a central nervous system lesion, damage or dysfunction, and not the result of a recognized progressive or degenerative brain disease
 * "A disorder of movement or posture secondary to a static lesion of the immature brain

How do you diagnose CP

 * History shows patient is not losing motor skills or experiencing cognitive regression
 * Localize neurological lesion to the CNS and not to the periphery. Examine tendon and primitive reflexes to identify abnormalities.
 * Try to understand the etiology and classify the type of deficits (ie spasticity)

What studies are necessary to diagnose CP

 * A genetic and metabolic workup is not necessary.
 * MRI imaging is recommended over CT if the etiology is unknown
 * Etiology may be established from previous imaging studies.
 * EEG should be done if history or exam suggests seizures
 * patients should be screened for eye, ear, swallowing problems.

Define the 4 treatment principles for CP
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