GUJRANWALA:
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition that is caused by damage to the developing brain either during fetal life, during delivery, neonatal life and postnatal life. Factors like age, medications, etc also act as a cause. The condition is diagnosed based on signs and symptoms including posture, tonal abnormality and persistent reflexes from 2 to 5 years of age depending upon severity. Physical therapists often use scales like Gross Motor Function Classification System or prescribe an MRI or CT scan to complement the clinical findings.
The types of cerebral palsy include spastic, which is most common and characterised by an increased tone. Others include dyskinetic, ataxic, and hypotonic. Even though CP is a common condition, most people lack understanding or guidance regarding the condition. A pediatric physical therapist can conduct a comprehensive evaluation, assess therapeutic intervention, and set goals for children with CP. Based on the impairments, an effort can be made to make children independent. Children may also require a checkup by a paediatrician, orthopaedic, ophthalmologist, neurologist, etc according to their condition.
Children do not only experience motor and sensory deficits but vital aspects of their development are also compromised. Thus, the therapist’s should adopt a holistic approach when treating the children instead of focusing on specific deficits. Given that parents play a crucial role in therapy, therapists should educate them and inform them of ways to support their child’s growth effectively.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 6th, 2023.
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