Cerebral Palsy is caused by damage to the brain and may occur during the different stages of pregnancy, though it may also occur after birth. It may be caused by inadequate oxygen reaching the brain and causing damage to occur. As such, multiple issues could cause Cerebral Palsy and it is up to the physician or caregiver to notice any early signs and look for the available treatment options. There are several risk factors associated with this condition and they include genetics and heredity. Obviously, the chances are higher for a child to be born with the disease if there is a history in the family of the disease in any generation.
Complications during labor and birth could also cause Cerebral Palsy, as could a premature birth. Multiple births put the infants at a greater risk of developing the condition as does severe jaundice. Brain damage early in life due to a lack of enough oxygen or infections like meningitis could also cause irreversible damage to the brain and aggravate the condition. The muscle tone and motor development of the child may also be greatly impacted and the muscles affected may include the eyes, throat and so on. As with the milder forms of this condition, the milestones that the child is able to reach are a good indicator of the child's developmental capabilities. Quadriplegia affects all the four limbs. Severe motor dysfunction occurs and the child is unable to move properly. In mild cases, the child may be able to walk for short distances with the assistance of a walker and if a wheel chair is being used, they can assist in movement on and off the chair. If on the other hand the condition is so severe, movement is completely impaired and the child is not in a position to do anything on their own. With this type of Cerebral Palsy, there is severe motor impairment and chances are the child will need assistance even for the simplest of tasks for as long as they live. The neck and head may also be affected limiting the child's movements and ability to control these vital organs.
As with all the other forms of Cerebral Palsy the bladder and bowel movements are impacted as are eating and breathing. If the condition is extreme, the child may need to be monitored constantly in order to avoid any food and or drinks getting into the lungs and causing them to suffocate. The muscles in a child that is suffering from quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy do not work together as there is an overall lack of muscle control. Mental retardation also varies from the mild form to the extreme. But some children with Cerebral Palsy are extremely intelligent. The mild version of the condition allows the child to perform the basic functions including feeding themselves and so on. There is always hope for a child that is suffering from this condition and where therapy is an option, it should be taken on as often and as soon as possible for the sake of the child and the family.