Cerebral Palsy(CP)is characterized by: - impaired movement & posture -lack of motor control over voluntary

muscles -r/t lesions in the brain

Population at risk:- intrauterine infections during pregnancy -complicated labor & delivery(hypoxia) -prematurity and/or low birth weight

Incidence:-800,000 in US-10,000 births each year

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_palsy/detail_cerebral_palsy.htm

Universal Symptom: delayed gross motor development

Abnormal motor performance Alterations muscle tone: rigidity,

stiffness Abnormal postures: scissoring Reflex abnormalities: persistance of

primitive infantile reflexes

May have mental retardation Common to have seizures Attention deficit/hyperactivity Sensory impairment

Spastic: increased muscle tone Dyskinetic (athetoid): abnormal

writhing movements, drooling, dysarthria,

Ataxic: difficulty with balance Mixed: athetoid and spastic

Know normal growth and development Observe in newborn nursery Early recognition important

TEAM APPROACHGoals: Establish locomotion, communication,

self-help To gain optimum function To correct associated defects To provide educational opportunities

Braces Ambulation devices Scooter boards Wheeled go carts Computers Adaptive utensils

1.FEEDING: Position child upright for feeding Place foods far back in the mouth Gentle upward stroking of the neck2.PROVIDE ADEQUATE DIET: high calorie

diet3. MAINTAIN SKIN INTEGRITY4. PROMOTE SELF-CONCEPT

5. FOSTER PARENTAL KNOWLEDGE 6. USE THE PARENTS AS BEST RESOURCE7. PROVIDE REST8. PREVENT/TREAT RESPIRATORY

INFECTIONS9. MAINTAIN DENTAL HYGIENE

Orthopedic TAL (tendon achilles lengthening) release of tight wrist and hip muscles

Purpose -to control seizures (dilantin, topamax, phenobarbitol) -to control spasms (skeletal muscle

relaxants, baclofen) -to minimize GI side effects (reglan, zantac)

Impaired Physical Mobility r/t decreased muscle strength and control

Disturbed Sensory Perception r/t cerebral damage

Risk of constipation r/t decreased intake of fiber and fluids