Recognize Cerebral Palsy As Early As Possible

Definition

Cerebral Palsy is a collection of symptoms or abnormalities in the form of movement and posture disturbances caused by non-progressive and persistent brain damage that occurs during the child's brain development.

 

Risk Factors

Risk factors for cerebral palsy can occur in several phases of a child's development, from the time the mother is pregnant, during labor, and when the baby is born.

The possibilities that occur when the mother is pregnant include torch infection, bleeding during pregnancy, epilepsy, the occurrence of eclampsia, consumption of illegal drugs and a history of trauma or falls during pregnancy.

The cause of cerebral palsy is also possible to appear during the birth process, one of which is a difficult and prolonged labor process and asphyxia in the baby. Then the condition when the baby is born prematurely can also be a risk factor besides LBW. However, it should also be noted that not all premature / LBW babies will result in cerebral palsy, it's just that parents are expected to remain vigilant.

The next phase of child development that could be a possibility of cerebral palsy is the development of children, especially during the first 2 years of age until the age of 5 years. At that age, parents should be vigilant if their child has several viral infections, such as meningitis, encephalitis, etc. In addition, if a child has seizures and experiences hyperbilirubin (jaundice), immediately have the child checked at the nearest healthcare facility for immediate treatment.

Also be alert if a child has bleeding in the brain due to head trauma, because this is also one of the risk factors for causing cerebral palsy if not treated immediately.

 

Symptom

Symptoms/signs of a child suffering from cerebral palsy can be identified by looking at posture control disorders or movement disorders in children such as gross motor delays, not being able to sit, roll over, stand according to the age of their development, weakness in the legs or arms, the appearance of stiffness and the appearance of movements - other abnormal movements. CP can also be accompanied by other disorders such as vision problems, hearing problems, communication problems, eating disorders and breastfeeding problems. In addition, children who are less active and more silent also need to be concerned.

 

If these symptoms are present, parents are expected not to panic, and immediately have their child checked by a medical professional for further examination and treatment.