Understanding Spasticity in Cerebral Palsy

 

Cerebral palsy can significantly impact a child's posture and movement. It is caused by brain damage before, during or after birth. The underlying brain damage cannot be reversed, but there are helpful treatment options available. So, moving on, let's identify the causes and other essentials you need to monitor spastic cerebral palsy.

Spastic cerebral palsy causes

Spasticity here means an increased tension or tone in the muscle. Usually, the muscles have enough tone to ensure proper movement and posture against the gravity force while at the same time providing speed and flexibility of movement. The command to be flexible or to reduce muscle tone comes to the spinal cord from the center in brain. They must be well coordinated in the spinal cord for muscles to work smoothly while maintaining strength.

However, when a person has cerebral palsy, things don't go as planned. The brain is unable to influence the amount of flexibility the muscles should have. This is why the the muscle is too tense.

Prevalence of the spasticity

About 80 out of 100 patients with cerebral palsy have different degrees of spasticity. In severe cases, spasticity can be evident during the first few years of life. It is important to note that degree of spasticity has can change their severity with increase in age and type of treatment.  

Treatment of spastic cerebral palsy

Luckily, there are treatment options available that will help your child to see a better result. Botox injections, oral medications, Baclofen infusion, physical therapy, orthopaedic surgery, selective dorsal rhizotomy surgery, or braces are the standard treatments available for treating spastic cerebral palsy. Depending on your child's condition, the specialist will recommend one or a combination of multiple therapies to guarantee he can combat the difficulties and lead a better life.

Conclusion

You will undoubtedly find that seeing your child in that condition is complex as a parent. So, it's better to consult an excellent professional to start with his treatment. Trishla Foundation has specialized doctors who can guarantee a customized treatment plan for your child. They will develop a proper plan and strategy to help your child lead a better life.