Cerebral refers to the brain, and palsy is defined as a loss of control or weakness in movement. Putting the two words together, cerebral palsy (CP) is a loose term which is given to the Central Nervous System (CNS) motor disorder, characterised by impairment of voluntary muscle movement. In individuals who have CP, the parts of the body that provide for movement, such as the muscles, nerves, and the spinal cord are normal. However, the brain, which is the command centre for sending messages to those parts of the body that coordinate movement, is unable to do so in its usual manner.

CP results from an abnormality in, or injury to, the cerebrum — the largest area of the brain, which controls sensation and voluntary motor function. Although cerebral palsy affects movement, the underlying problem originates in the brain, not in the muscles themselves.

Some possible causes: Doctors and researchers have now identified many possible causes of CP, including:

Most children with CP don't have any apparent problems during development in the womb, and at birth. However, some factors may increase the risk of CP:

CP is a non-progressive, non-degenerative disorder. This means that whatever damage was done to the brain will not get worse. It only appears progressive because the symptoms may not appear until the child's lack of motor skills, or other developmental delays, begin to emerge.

A birth injury is suffered by the infant at the time of birth or soon after birth when the infant is still in the care of medical professionals. A birth defect, however, occurs during pregnancy and involves factors outside the care of professionals, such as maternal infections or genetic malformations. CP is often the result of a birth injury, such as when an infant’s brain is damaged by lack of oxygen during birth.

Since the disorder is caused by irreversible brain damage, CP has no cure. However, the physical effects of the brain damage can be treated. The main goal of professionals who work with individuals affected by cerebral palsy is to foster as much independence for the individual as his or her impairment will allow.

Individuals with seizure disorders may be effectively controlled with anti-convulsive medications. Physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and special education are frequently utilised to maximise participation, learning and independence. For individuals who do not have intellectual involvement, accommodations can be made to living spaces, places of employment, and schools so that they may be included in the everyday world of business, education, and recreation. For many individuals with CP, inclusion is more a matter of management of their disorder, rather than treatment or a cure.

Symptoms of CP may be evident immediately after birth, or may take months or years to become noticeable.

It is important to realise that the presence of any of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate your child has CP. Children develop on different time frames, and symptoms are often outgrown. Only your doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and guide you with regard to further action.

In general, children with cerebral palsy exhibit a wide variety of signs and symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. In addition to the symptoms mentioned in question 6, they are:

Some children with CP have severe mental retardation, but others are extremely bright. Many need a wheelchair and extensive, lifelong care, but some require little or no special assistance.

There are four different types of CP:

No. CP is not contagious.

This depends on the site and the severity of the lesion. Some of them are:

The word dystrophy comes from Latin and Greek roots meaning 'faulty nutrition'. Muscular Dystrophy (MD) is the name of a group of muscle disorders that are characterised by progressive weakness and wasting of the voluntary muscles that control body movement. As muscle tissue weakens and wastes away, it is replaced by fatty and connective tissue.

Yes, it is a genetic condition. MDs are generally inherited but in some cases no family history of the disease may exist.

Anyone can be affected. Contrary to popular belief, muscular dystrophy is not exclusively a childhood disorder. While some types of MD are first evident in infancy or early childhood, other types may not appear until later in life.

Although there is no cure for MD as yet, conservative and surgical management is available. Conservative management involves physiotherapy and occupational therapy to achieve and maintain a certain level of independence; prevent or delay contractures/deformities; and maintain the respiratory status of the individual. Surgical management helps release of soft tissues and correct bony deformities.

The best person to approach is a Pediatrician/ Neuro-pediatrician/ Neurologist (for initial diagnosis and evaluation).

A doctor makes a diagnosis by evaluating the patient's medical history and by performing a thorough physical examination. Essential to diagnosis are details about when weakness   first appeared, its severity, and which muscles are affected. Diagnostic tests such as blood tests, EMG (Electromyogram), muscle biopsy, may also be used to help the doctor distinguish between different forms of muscular dystrophy, or between muscular dystrophy and other disorders of muscles or nerves. Since MDs can be inherited, it is important for the doctor to know if anyone in the family ever had a similar disorder.

No. MD is not contagious.