Cerebral Palsy And OT Intervention

            Cerebral Palsy (CP) in the simplest, most concise definition is a neuromuscular impairment of cerebral origin. The statement leaves a lot of lead way; it gives an idea of the basic problem; however, allows for anyone with a brain injury to be considered a sufferer of CP. A more descriptive definition from the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy states: any abnormal alteration of movement or motor function arising from defect, injury, or disease of the nervous tissues contained in the cranial cavity. This definition includes paralysis, weakness, uncoordinatrion or functional derangement of normal movement. By this definition Cerebral Palsy could be understood as a condition, which could occur in adolescence, early childhood, even old age; however, that is not the case. Cerebral Palsy is a disorder caused by damage to the developing brain, usually before or shortly after birth. In most cases CP is diagnosed within the first three years of the child's life. Some children with CP may also have other disabilities, such as mental retardation or epilepsy. This paper will attempt to show how an Occupational Therapist might use some of their principles and skills to help the individual suffering from CP manage the disease. .
             Etiology.
             The cause of Cp has not yet been targeted. What is known is that a part of the childes brain has been irreversibly damaged. In rare cases a particular event in early childhood-such as meningitis or head injury causes the Cerebral Palsy. In most instances the child has the condition from birth but the exact cause is hard to identify. A number of factors can cause Cerebral Palsy:.
             *Reduced nutrition to the fetus. This can be caused by maternal infections, high blood pressure, or repeated exposure to toxins either within the mother or from external environments.
             *An interrupted oxygen supply. This can be caused by premature separation of the placenta from the uterus, an awkward birth position, excessive time in labor, labor that is too abrupt, or interference with the umbilical cord.