Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the name given to the permanent neurological problems resulting from damage to the brain around the time of birth (from prenatal to < 1 month postnatal)

Aetiology

Antenatal

  • Maternal infections
  • Trauma during pregnancy

Perinatal

  • Birth asphyxia
  • Pre-term birth

Postnatal

  • Meningitis
  • Severe neonatal jaundice
  • Head injury

Clinical presentation

Signs and symptoms of CP become more evident during development:
  • Mobility problems, spasticity and orthopaedic problems
  • Learning difficulties
  • Epilepsy
  • Visual/hearing impairment
  • Communication difficulties
  • Feeding difficulties
  • Sleep problems
  • Behavioural problems