Cerebral palsy in children: A clinical practice review

Abstract

Cerebral palsy is a disorder characterized by abnormal tone, posture, and movement. In clinical practice, it is often useful to approach cerebral palsy based on the predominant motor system findings – spastic hemiplegia, spastic diplegia, spastic quadriplegia, extrapyramidal or dyskinetic, and ataxic. The prevalence of cerebral palsy is between 1.5 and 3 per 1,000 live births with higher percentage of cases in low to middle income countries and geographic regions. Pre-term birth and low birthweight are recognized as the most frequent risk factors for cerebral palsy; other risk factors include hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, maternal infections, and multiple gestation. In most cases of cerebral palsy, the initial injury to the brain occurs during early fetal brain development. Intracerebral hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia are the main pathologic findings found in preterm infants who develop spastic cerebral palsy. The diagnosis of cerebral palsy is primarily based on clinical findings. Early recognition of infants at risk for cerebral palsy as well as those with cerebral palsy is possible based on a combination of clinical history, use of standardized neuromotor assessment and findings on magnetic resonance imaging; however, in clinical practice, cerebral palsy is more reliably diagnosed by 2 years of age. Magnetic resonance imaging scan is indicated to delineate the extent of brain lesions and to identify congenital brain malformations. Genetic testing and tests for inborn errors of metabolism are indicated to identify specific disorders, especially treatable disorders. Because cerebral palsy is associated with multiple associated and secondary medical conditions, its management requires a sustained and consistent collaboration among multiple disciplines and specialties. With appropriate support, most children with cerebral palsy grow up to be adults with good functional abilities.