Childhood cerebral palsy - diagnosis and comprehensive care at Paley European Institute

Wondering what childhood cerebral palsy (MPD) is and how to recognize it? In the following article, we will answer these questions. At Paley European Institute, we know all about MPD and its treatment. We not only diagnose this complex disease, but also provide comprehensive care aimed at improving the quality of life of young patients and their families. Check out how we work!

What is infantile cerebral palsy?

Children's cerebral palsy (MPD) is a challenge faced by many families around the world. In Poland, about 20,000-25,000 children suffer from it. It is a complex neurological disorder that can affect an infant's development in various aspects - from movement and coordination, to communication, cognitive abilities and problems with the proper display of emotions. MPD can take many forms and vary in severity, making each case unique and requiring a personalized approach.

In the case of infantile cerebral palsy, the first symptoms may appear by the time the child is two years old. This means that, as a result of the disease, a toddler may gradually lose control over body movements and regress motor development over time, even despite the promising nothing beginnings of infancy.

Cerebral palsy can have various causes related to damage to the child' s brain during the prenatal, perinatal or first 2 years of the child's life. The most common risk factors include:

• Infections in early pregnancy,
• prematurity,
• thyroid disorders,
• multiple pregnancy,
• bearing irregularities,
• brain malformations,
• The baby's hypoxia during delivery,
• Severe infection in the first months of a child's life,
• accidents and injuries.

Childhood cerebral palsy - how to recognize?

How to recognize infantile cerebral palsy? The symptoms of this disease are rather difficult to miss, especially by the watchful eye of a parent. Although the disease can make itself known even around the age of 3, many sick children struggle with the first symptoms of MDP as early as infancy.

Childhood cerebral palsy - first symptoms

Since the first symptoms of MDP can appear at different stages of a child's development, it is difficult to list the typical first signs that indicate the development of the disease. However, it is possible to identify which symptoms appear earliest, and include, for example, difficulty in lifting the head, sitting up, crawling, crawling or walking, trouble maintaining balance, difficulty moving one or more limbs, delayed or very slurred speech, trouble swallowing liquids and food contents. Caregivers observing the child may also notice repeated tremors of various muscle parts. Most often, it is one or a set of the above-mentioned features that signal the need to contact a specialist.

Sometimes it is the pediatrician who, during a follow-up evaluation of the child's condition , notices certain abnormalities and immediately refers the patient for further diagnostics, usually to a pediatric neurologist.

MPD diagnosis

In the case of cerebral palsy, when the diagnosis should be made is an extremely important issue. It is worth ensuring that it is made as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to minimizing the long-term effects of the disorder and to maximizing the child's developmental potential. Primary diagnostic tests for MDP include:

• neurological examination,
• Testing of C-reactive protein levels, electrolytes, blood, urine,
• CT and/or MRI scans,
• EEG and ECG testing,
• Diagnostic tests that can be performed by a physiotherapist, i.e. PREHTL (Prechtel movement assessment) and HINE (HINE neurological assessment).

Only a tailored package of tests for a given case allows a clear diagnosis to be made. Tests are performed by a pediatric neurologist or physiotherapist. However, it is worth remembering that not every specialist performs all the above-mentioned examinations, so it is worth checking what his credentials are before you go for an appointment.

MPD treatment

How to treat childhood cerebral palsy? First of all, it is worth being aware that MPD is an incurable disease, but with rehabilitation it is possible to stop the progression of symptoms. So far, no effective drug has been discovered that will completely reverse the course of the condition. However, professional physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and neurology, and in some cases surgery, are crucial to the fitness of a person struggling with MPD and their quality of life. At Paley European Institute, we perform, among other things. hip reconstruction, foot reconstruction, proximal and distal femoral upright osteotomy, pelvic osteotomy, patellar distalization, tibial derotational osteotomy, osteotomy of the calcaneus, ankle-foot or ankle-ankle fusion/artrodesis, osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone, medial wedge osteotomy, fusion/artrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, osteotomy of the heel bone according to Dwyer, lengthening of the lumbar, adductor and ischiofemoral muscles, transfer/transfer of the rectus femoris muscle, lengthening of the gastrocnemius calf muscle, lengthening of the Achilles tendon using the "Z" method, lengthening of the posterior tibialis muscle, lengthening of the fibula muscle, and cleft and transfer of the tibialis anterior muscle.

Cerebral palsy requires continuous treatment. This means that long-term work with a therapist is necessary. Rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy is therefore a long-term process that requires patience, commitment and constant adaptation of therapeutic methods to the changing needs of the child. Thanks to this, patients under the watchful eye of specialists can not only make progress in their motor, emotional and cognitive development, but also improve their quality of life and maintain the best fitness for this disease entity.

Comprehensive care at Paley European Institute

In the case of cerebral palsy, therapy should take on an interdisciplinary character. This is the only way to provide a child with comprehensive care that encompasses different aspects of his or her health and development. At the Paley European Institute, we work as a team, combining the knowledge and experience of specialists from different fields, such as orthopedics, neurology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, neurology and psychology.

Our approach is based on individually assessing each child's needs and tailoring a therapy plan to their unique situation. Regular progress assessments and adjustments to the therapeutic plan allow us to respond effectively to the child's changing needs as he or she grows and develops. Involving the family in the therapeutic process is also key, as home support is essential for the best possible treatment outcomes.

In addition, at Paley European Institute we focus on a holistic approach to a child's health and well-being. Not only is physical treatment important, but also emotional support that helps children with MPD to participate fully in family, educational and social life. Our goal is not only to improve physical fitness, but also to ensure that children can enjoy life and pursue their individual passions and interests.

In summary, the treatment of pediatric cerebral palsy is a complex and multifaceted process that requires constant work, commitment and an interdisciplinary approach. Our experience and commitment to providing the highest quality of care in pediatric orthopedics allow children with MPD to enjoy life to the fullest.