Question

1. serach for a medical condition related to the nervous system and write an essay explaining:

1. What causes the disorder?
2. Where is the disorder developed?
3. Which structure(s) or organ(s) are affected by this disorder?
4. There’s a group more susceptible to acquire the condition? [i.e. Hispanics, females, boys, people between 35 to 55 years old]
5. Symptoms
6. Diagnosis
7. Treatment
   1. Procedures
   2. Medicines
8. Prevention (if there is available)
9. Indicate the references using APA format. (You must have at least three trustworthy sources).

Answer 1

CEREBRAL PALSY

               Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition caused by brain damage and it is the most common motor and movement disability of childhood.

Cause for Cerebral palsy

                The cause of Cerebral Palsy is a brain injury or brain malformation that occurs while the brain is developing — before, during, or after birth. As a result of the brain damage during brain development a child’s muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance can be affected. It can also impact a child’s fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and oral motor functioning.

Area of brain to be affected:

              Cerebral palsy affects the motor area of the brain's outer layer (called the cerebral cortex), the part of the brain that directs muscle movement. In some cases, the cerebral motor cortex hasn't developed normally during fetal growth.

Organ to be affected

            Cerebral palsy affects the motor area of the brain's outer layer (called the cerebral cortex), the part of the brain that directs muscle movement.

Age group succeptible to cerebral palsy

             Cerebral palsy is typically diagnosed between 18 and 24 months of age (1), although signs and symptoms may be present much earlier.

Symptoms of Cerebral palsy

· Variations in muscle tone, such as being either too stiff or too floppy

· Stiff muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity)

· Stiff muscles with normal reflexes (rigidity)

· Lack of balance and muscle coordination (ataxia)

· Tremors or involuntary movements

· Slow, writhing movements

· Delays in reaching motor skills milestones, such as pushing up on arms, sitting up or crawling

· Favoring one side of the body, such as reaching with one hand or dragging a leg while crawling

· Difficulty walking, such as walking on toes, a crouched gait, a scissors-like gait with knees crossing, a wide gait or an asymmetrical gait

· Excessive drooling or problems with swallowing

· Difficulty with sucking or eating

· Delays in speech development or difficulty speaking

· Learning difficulties

· Difficulty with fine motor skills, such as buttoning clothes or picking up utensils

· Seizures

Diagnosis for Cerebral palsy

Diagnosing CP can take several steps:

Brain scans

1. MRI

              An MRI scan uses radio waves and a magnetic field to produce detailed 3D or cross-sectional images of your child's brain. An MRI can often identify lesions or abnormalities in your child's brain.

2. Cranial ultrasound

                         This can be performed during infancy. A cranial ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the brain.

1. Electroencephalogram (EEG)

                          EEG can evaluate the condition further. Seizures can develop in a child with epilepsy. In an EEG test, a series of electrodes are attached to your child's scalp.

Treatment for Cerebral palsy

· Physical therapy and rehabilitation- A child with cerebral palsy usually starts these therapies in the first few years of life or soon after being diagnosed. Physical therapy is one of the most important parts of treatment. It involves exercises and activities that can maintain or improve muscle strength, balance, and movement.

a. Occupational therapy. This type of therapy helps a child learn to do everyday activities such as dressing and going to school.

b. Recreational therapy. Participating in art programs, cultural activities, and sports can help improve a child’s physical and intellectual skills.

c. Speech and language therapy. A speech therapist can help a child learn to speak more clearly, help with swallowing problems, and teach new ways to communicate, such as by using sign language or a special communication device.

• Orthotic devices.

              Braces, splints, and casts can be placed on the affected limbs and can improve movement and balance. Other devices that can help with movement and posture include wheelchairs, rolling walkers, and powered scooters.

• Assistive devices and technologies.

             These include special computer-based communication machines, Velcro-fastened shoes, or crutches, which can help make daily life easier.

• Medication.

             Certain medications can relax stiff or overactive muscles and reduce abnormal movement. They may be taken by mouth, injected into affected muscles, or infused into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord through a pump implanted near the spinal cord. For children who have cerebral palsy and epilepsy (seizures), standard epileptic medications should be considered, but these medications may also have negative effects on the developing brain.

• Surgery.

               A child may need surgery if symptoms are severe. Sometimes, if other treatments have not worked, a surgeon can cut certain nerves to treat abnormal, spastic movements. Before conducting surgery, it is important for a health care provider to assess the procedure’s benefits by carefully analyzing biomechanics of the joints and muscles.

Procedure for Cerebral palsy

Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy

                        Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is an aggressive procedure that helps reduce pain and spasticity. It is the only surgery that permanently reduces spasticity. SDR is typically recommended in severe cases of spasticity when other treatments have failed to make an impact. Children with spasticity in the legs (spastic diplegia) tend to benefit more than children with spasticity in other locations (quadriplegia, hemiplegia).

                      Selective dorsal rhizotomy gets to the root of spasticity issues by cutting the nerves in the spinal column responsible for muscle stiffness. This procedure requires navigating the complex network of nerves to pinpoint which nerves are causing movement issues. SDR can be used to relax muscles in the upper and lower limbs.

Selective dorsal rhizotomy improves:

· Walking

· Sitting

· Standing

· Balance

· Deformities in tendons, muscles, feet and hips

· Voluntary movement

Medicines for cerebral palsy

                              The most common medications used to treat Cerebral Palsy include medications within these categories:

· Anticholinergics (uncontrolled body movements)

· Anticonvulsants (seizure medications)

· Antidepressants (depression medications)

· Antispastic (muscle relaxers)

· Anti-inflammatories (pain management)

· Stool softeners.

Prevention of cerebral palsy

          Cerebral palsy can be prevent by following the below methods:

· Avoiding exposure to infections or viruses known to impact fetal health, such as German Measles or Zika

· Getting vaccinated before trying to get pregnant

· Controlling underlying health issues, such as blood pressure, diabetes, etc.

· Avoiding alcohol, cigarettes and prescription drugs known to pose risks during pregnancy

· Identifying any potential Rh incompatibility between mother and child

References

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2013).

Cerebral palsy: Hope through research.

Retrieved August 10, 2013

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2007).

Cerebral palsy. Retrieved August 11, 2013