DHAKA, Oct 5, 2018 (BSS) – Experts emphasized proper care of a pregnant
woman to protect her unborn children from cerebral palsy (CP), a disability
that mainly affects movement, talking, digestion and focus on to something.
“Parents, specially the mother must be very careful during pregnancy to
avoid CP, which caused mainly by injury to the part of the brain of the
unborn or newborn that affects movement,” Director of The Institute of
Pediatric Neuro-disorder and Autism (IPNA) under Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib
Medical University (BSMMU) Professor Dr Shaheen Akhter told BSS.
“The injury usually occurs when the brain is growing rapidly in mother’s
womb, during birth or the first few years of life. A number of causes can
result in Cerebral Palsy including infections during pregnancy, birth injury,
being born premature, serious infection in a baby or accidents that injures
to brain,” she added.
“The most common feature in cerebral palsy is spasticity (tight, stiff
muscle tone), though some kids with CP may have very loose muscles. Your
child might also have trouble with hearing and vision. Difficulties with
speech are common, and seizures may also occur,” Paediatric Neurodisorder
expert Dr Muzharul Mannan told BSS.
Most instances of CP can be identified by the age of 2, although it’s
occasionally possible to identify as early as a few months, according to
IPNA.
Emphasizing taking regular vaccination during pregnancy the experts said
vaccination against diseases such as rubella may prevent an infection that
could cause fetal brain damage to the child.
Different diagnosis including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
computerized tomography (CT) scan, cranial ultrasound, electroencephalography
(EEG) is also important to detect CP, said the expert.
“You are your child’s greatest strength. The most important thing to
remember is that tailored education, physical therapy plans and plenty of
encouragement from you will help your child reach her full potential in spite
of CP,” Dr Shaheen added.
Experts also asked for taking proper care of health of a pregnant mom,
saying, the healthier a mother would be during the pregnancy, the less likely
she’ll develop an infection that may result in CP in her unborn.
CP refers to a range of movement-related conditions diagnosed in
childhood, involving one or both sides of the body. This may cause impaired
mobility, muscle stiffness or weakness and/or abnormal or uncontrolled
movements.
Children with cerebral palsy often have other neurological impairments such
as epilepsy, visual impairment, hearing loss and intellectual disability.
Around half of children with cerebral palsy have normal or high
intelligence, and the degree of physical disability varies widely. Most will
live full lives. But some are so deeply affected they will never walk or
speak and will be wheelchair-dependent. They will often be in chronic pain.