Spastic cerebral palsy

Spastic cerebral palsy is a type of cerebral palsy characterized by spasticity, a condition in which certain muscles are continuously contracted. This contraction causes stiffness or tightness of the muscles and can interfere with normal movement and speech. Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type of cerebral palsy, accounting for about 80% of all cases.

Causes

Spastic cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain that affects its ability to control muscle movement. This damage can occur before, during, or shortly after birth. The exact cause of the brain damage is often unknown, but it can be associated with infections during pregnancy, premature birth, lack of oxygen to the brain, and certain genetic conditions.

Symptoms

The symptoms of spastic cerebral palsy can vary widely from person to person. They may include:

• Muscle stiffness or tightness
• Difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as writing or using scissors
• Difficulty with balance and coordination
• Speech disorders
• Seizures

Treatment

While there is no cure for spastic cerebral palsy, treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment options may include:

• Physical therapy to improve strength and mobility
• Occupational therapy to help with daily tasks
• Speech therapy to improve communication skills
• Medications to manage symptoms such as muscle stiffness and seizures
• Surgery to correct deformities or reduce spasticity

See also

• Cerebral palsy
• Spasticity
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy

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