Spastic diplegia
Spastic Diplegia
Spastic diplegia (/spæstɪk daɪˈpliːdʒə/), also known as Little's Disease, is a form of cerebral palsy that primarily affects the lower body. The condition is characterized by muscle stiffness (spasticity) and coordination problems.
Etymology
The term "spastic" derives from the Greek word "spastikos" which means "drawing in" or "tugging", while "diplegia" comes from the Greek "di-" meaning "two" and "-plegia" meaning "paralysis".
Symptoms
Symptoms of spastic diplegia include muscle stiffness, particularly in the legs and hips, and difficulties with balance and coordination. These symptoms can vary in severity and may affect mobility to varying degrees.
Causes
Spastic diplegia is caused by damage to the brain's motor cortex or the pyramidal tracts, which are responsible for carrying messages from the brain to the muscles. This damage often occurs before, during, or shortly after birth.
Treatment
Treatment for spastic diplegia typically involves a combination of physical therapy, medication, and sometimes surgery. The goal of treatment is to improve mobility and quality of life.
Related Terms
- Cerebral Palsy: A group of disorders affecting movement and muscle tone or posture, caused by damage that occurs to the immature brain as it develops, most often before birth.
- Spasticity: A condition in which certain muscles are continuously contracted.
- Motor Cortex: The part of the brain where nerve impulses originate that initiate voluntary muscular activity.
- Pyramidal Tracts: The nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord that carry motor commands from the brain to the muscles.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Spastic diplegia
- Wikipedia's article - Spastic diplegia
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