What is pediatric spasticity?
What is pediatric spasticity?
Spasticity refers to muscles that are tight, stiff, contracted, painful, and difficult to stretch. This condition is caused by an imbalance of signals from brain or spinal cord to the muscles. Spasticity results in pain, decreased range of motion, and contractures that limit children’s mobility and quality of life.
Are babies with cerebral palsy stiff?
Because their muscles are tight and stiff, kids with spastic cerebral palsy do not move smoothly. Their movements may seem jerky. Often, the muscles do not do what the child wants them to do. Spastic CP can be mild or severe.
How do you stop CP spasticity in children?
In general, treatment options for management of spasticity in children with cerebral palsy include oral medications, physical and occupational therapy, splinting and casting, chemodenervation with botulinum toxin or phenol, selective dorsal rhizotomy, intrathecal baclofen, and orthopedic surgery[4-6,8,10,11,17,18].
When does spasticity develop?
Spasticity can develop any time after a brain injury. Immediately after a spinal cord injury, your body below the level of injury becomes flaccid or without muscle response. Involuntary muscle movement or spasticity (tone) does not develop until typically six weeks after injury.
Does massage help CP?
Performing Swedish massage strokes on a child with cerebral palsy can help promote circulation, decrease tone in spastic muscles and increase tone in flaccid muscles. Massage will also help to bring a sense of body awareness to the child, which is very important in brain development and performing tasks.
Can you have cerebral palsy and autism?
An estimated seven percent of children with cerebral palsy have co-occurring autism. Autism is characterized by varying degrees of difficulty related to social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.
What does spastic cerebral palsy always cause?
Spastic cerebral palsy is a developmental disorder caused by damage to the brain before birth, during delivery, or within the first few years of life. This condition prevents the normal development of motor function. Spastic CP is characterized by jerky movements, muscle tightness and joint stiffness.
What is the best treatment for mild cerebral palsy?
One of the most effective treatments for managing very mild cerebral palsy is utilizing orthotics. If a child’s legs are affected, it’s essential that you address your child’s form before encouraging them to continue walking.
What are the types of cerebral palsy?
Quadriplegia (a form of bilateral cerebral palsy) Both arms and legs are affected. The muscles of the trunk,face and mouth are often also affected.
