Spastic diplegic cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder characterized by stiff muscles and twitching, usually in the legs. It can be caused by brain damage in the womb or after birth. Diagnosis is based on physical symptoms and specialized tests, and treatment includes medication, braces, and physical therapy.
Spastic diplegic cerebral palsy is a lifelong neurological disorder that is usually present at birth. It is characterized by stiff muscles and uncontrollable twitching that are most severe in two of the extremities, almost always the legs. Most cases are the result of brain damage that occurs in the womb, although doctors can’t always pinpoint an underlying cause. The severity of spastic diplegic cerebral palsy can vary from patient to patient, but many people with the disorder are able to live independently with the help of crutches, leg braces, or wheelchairs.
A fetus can develop spastic diplegic cerebral palsy if brain development is impeded. Bacterial and viral infections, genetic defects, oxygen deficiencies and injuries to the abdomen of an expectant mother can damage the brain of an unborn child. Occasionally, spastic diplegic cerebral palsy can develop after birth in the first two years of life as a result of a severe head injury. It is clear that neural damage is responsible for the condition, but it is often difficult for specialists to identify the precise area of damaged brain tissue and predict the resulting symptoms.
The most common physical sign of spastic diplegic cerebral palsy in a child is straight, stiff legs. The knee and hip joints can be so stiff that the legs cannot be bent without considerable force. A child’s legs may tremble or twitch suddenly and uncontrollably. Muscles in the arms, neck, and face may also feel tight or stiff, but the problems are usually most severe and most noticeable in the legs. As a child gets older, he or she is likely to have difficulty standing and walking. Some patients suffer from mental retardation and physical disabilities.
Doctors can usually diagnose spastic diplegic cerebral palsy simply by evaluating the physical symptoms, although patients generally need to undergo a number of specialized tests to identify other problems. Magnetic resonance imaging tests, X-rays, and EEGs help doctors determine the severity of brain damage. A child may also be scheduled for hearing and vision tests to make sure the senses are intact. Unless damage to the brain or other internal organs is found, treatment may not be needed right away.
Most young patients with mild forms of spastic diplegic cerebral palsy are able to control most symptoms with anticonvulsant and pain medication. Surgery is rarely recommended to try to correct leg problems and most children learn to support themselves with the help of crutches or braces. As patients age, they may need to participate in physical therapy sessions to strengthen their legs and learn to stay mobile.
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