- Dwarka, ND and Gurugram , Haryana, India
Welcome to our Young Bones Clinic.
At our clinic, our experienced pediatric orthopedic surgeon in Gurgaon, Dr. Ratnav Ratan, has more than 13 years of experience in managing and treating the orthopedic effects of cerebral palsy observed in children depending upon the severity of the condition.
Children with mild symptoms do not need any extrinsic help. Children with severe conditions require lifelong care.
Let us see the detailed information on cerebral palsy.
It is one of the most common disabilities that manifest before, during, or immediately after a child’s birth.
The word ‘cerebral’ means the brain, and ‘palsy’ means problems with muscles.
It is an umbrella term for several brain issues that hinder a child’s muscle power or muscular growth due to damage to some parts of the brain.
Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary plan can improve a child’s quality of life
Depending upon the symptoms and the brain’s area affected, cerebral palsy is divided into four types:
Spastic cerebral palsy is caused due to damage in the cortex and is the most common type. It increases muscle tone, making the muscles very stiff, so movements become hinged and awkward. It may appear as spastic diplegia, spastic hemiplegia, or spastic quadriplegia depending on the body parts involved.
Dyskinetic cerebral palsy is caused due to damage in the basal ganglia. It includes symptoms like dystonia, athetosis, and chorea. Movements may be slow or very jerky and fast. In some situations, the face and tongue are also affected, creating problems in eating, sucking, or talking.
Ataxic cerebral palsy correlates to the cerebrum part of the brain and is the least common type. It affects coordination, so walking, writing, and sudden movements become difficult. In some cases, people also experience tremors and vibrations that are hard to control.
Mixed cerebral palsy is a combination of the above-mentioned types. The patient may have symptoms of spastic, dyskinetic, and/or ataxic cerebral palsy. It results from damage to many parts of the brain and can include tremors, shaking, seizures, visual or hearing impairment, and scoliosis.
One of the best ways to diagnose CP at the early stage is by keeping a note of your child’s muscle development and movements.
There is no one particular predominant test for cerebral palsy. A child may undergo several tests to find accurate results.
Unfortunately, no test can detect cerebral palsy while the child is in the womb.
At Young Bones Clinic, Dr. Ratnav Ratan is a specialist in treating pediatric cases of cerebral palsy in and around Gurgaon.
He aims to find a unique approach for each patient, ultimately improving their quality of life.
There is no treatment that can cure cerebral palsy fully. The treatment usually involves a multidisciplinary approach across several clinical specialties.
These medications can help in reducing spasms, seizures, and other common symptoms.
Surgical intervention can help loosen tight muscles, straighten bones affected by abnormal muscle forces, and reduce certain abnormal movements or spasms.
Therapies related to the hobbies and interests of the child often have a positive impact in reducing impairment and improving daily function.
These methods can promote better muscle function in the limb and help normalize muscle tension.
A common statement attached to cerebral palsy is that it affects the life expectancy of the child. Nevertheless, this statement is untrue.
Many children diagnosed with CP happen to have the same life expectancy as any other human being.
While cerebral palsy does not hamper life expectancy, you must give your child the best medical support and therapy for betterment. Many problems related to CP can lead to infections or diseases, which can be life-threatening.