- Children with spastic cerebral palsy cannot relax certain muscles or control their movements. It may affect just one side of the body or both legs and arms. The muscles are stiff, weak and tight. The spastic movements can range from mild to severe.
- Doctors aren't sure what causes spastic cerebral palsy, but they know it has something to do with damage to the brain. They say risk factors include abnormal brain development, head injuries after birth, infection in the pregnant mother, and premature birth.
- Depending on the area of brain that is damaged, a child with spastic cerebral palsy may not be able to walk or talk.
- Children with spastic cerebral palsy frequently have other health issues, such as developmental delays and significant hearing and vision problems.
- A complete treatment plan for a child with spastic cerebral palsy will include medications, physical therapy, speech therapy and sometimes orthopedic surgery to release muscle tightness.
- Medications prescribed are antispasmodics, such as Valium, to relax stiff muscles, and anticonvulsants, such as Topamx, to guard against seizures. However, some doctors say possible side effects caused by these drugs outweigh their positive actions.
