Cerebral Palsy Characteristics and Management

Definition and Classification

Cerebral palsy is defined as a group of permanent disorders of the development of movement and posture, causing activity limitation, that are attributed to non-progressive disturbances that occurred in the developing fetal or infant brain, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 1
Spastic diplegia is a topographical classification affecting approximately 37% of cerebral palsy cases, where the lower limbs are affected more than the upper limbs, as reported by the American Academy of Pediatrics 3, 1
Spasticity is the most common motor type in cerebral palsy (85-91% of cases), characterized by increased muscle tone and velocity-dependent resistance to passive movement, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 1

Despite limitations, children with GMFCS II have a good functional prognosis: in high-income countries, 2 in 3 individuals with cerebral palsy will walk, 3 in 4 will talk, and 1 in 2 will have normal intelligence, as stated by the American Academy of Pediatrics 4, 2

Chronic pain affects 75% of cerebral palsy cases, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 1
Epilepsy affects 35% of cerebral palsy cases, as reported by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1
Intellectual disability affects 49% of cerebral palsy cases, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 1
Musculoskeletal problems like hip displacement affect 28% of cerebral palsy cases, as stated by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1

Early diagnosis and intervention are essential to optimize motor and cognitive plasticity, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 1
Early referral to diagnostic-specific intervention is crucial to prevent secondary complications and enhance caregiver well-being, as reported by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1

Motor function classification may change during the first 2 years of life, with approximately half of infants having their GMFCS level reclassified, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 5
Early intervention can help maximize neuroplasticity and minimize deleterious modifications to muscle and bone growth, as stated by the American Academy of Pediatrics 1