Cerebral palsy: Strong bones, healthy kids
Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) are at increased risk of fracturing their bones. This newsletter explains how to prevent fractures and promote strong bones in children with CP.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder caused by a non-progressive brain injury or malformation that occurs while the child’s brain is immature. CP primarily affects body movement and muscle coordination, however the child may also experience other problems of development.
Every case of CP is unique to the individual. There are different causes of CP and different patterns and severity of impairments. In addition to motor impairments, children with CP may present with difficulties in cognition, hearing, and/or seeing. Although CP involves damage to the brain that currently cannot be fully repaired, treatment and therapy help manage the effects on the child’s development, and improve the participation of children and youth in the activities that are important for their development, so as to improve their functioning and the well-being of their families.
For CP, early detection and early intervention are crucial. Timely detection of CP, along with early therapy, enable children to enhance their functional potential and maximize benefit.
EDIT-CP refers to the Early Detection and Intervention Toolkit for children with CP. EDIT-CP is designed to support clinicians to detect CP early, and quickly connect children to evidence-informed early interventions. In addition, EDIT-CP offers user-friendly information for children and families to increase their awareness about existing approaches and facilitate their assessment and rehabilitation journeys.
Overview For Parents
- Cerebral palsy is a complex and highly diverse disorder.
- A large variety of causes and risk factors may interact to cause a particular child’s cerebral palsy.
- Several research studies have identified risk factors that may arise prenatally (prior to labour and delivery), perinatally (during the birthing process) or postnatally (after birth in the first year of life).
- Many studies are currently searching for new ways to prevent, cure, and treat CP.
- There are several treatments that can help improving motor function, support participation in meaningful activities and a good quality of life for children and youth with CP.
Overview For Clinicians
- Recent studies using a variety of methodologies have identified genetic abnormalities in as many as 15-30% of unselected cases of cerebral palsy pulled from population-based registries.
- Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) or high resolution microarray is now widely available to clinicians and should be considered as a first line test, along with neuroimaging, in the diagnostic evaluation of cerebral with clinically documented or suspected cerebral palsy.
- Families and youth with CP place a high value on participation in leisure activities. There is evidence-supporting interventions to promote participation, policies that families have the right to access, and resources to help families connect to adapted leisure activities.
- Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) is one of the rehabilitation interventions with high-quality evidence supporting its efficacy for children with hemiplegic CP.
Newsletters
Current state of stem cell treatments for cerebral palsy: A guide for patients, families and service providers
A substantial growth in stem cell research shows promising results for Cerebral Palsy.
Standardizing chronic pain assessment: Using a toolbox in a pediatric rehabilitation setting
Cerebral palsy is a complex physical disability and can affect the whole body, creating many potential sources for pain and can often result in painful associated conditions. For children with cerebral palsy expressing a pain sensation accurately can be challenging. Without proper assessment, pain cannot be managed, impacting a child’s participation in everyday activities.
Non-invasive brain stimulation in cerebral palsy
This newsletter explains non-invasive brain stimulation, its use for in treatment and evaluation as well as its safety for children with cerebral palsy.
“If I knew then what I know now”: Parents’ reflections on raising a child with cerebral palsy
In 2007, information collected from parents during inter- views as part of the Adolescent Study of Quality of Life, Mobility and Exercise conducted through CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research showed a general theme of “If I knew then what I know now, I would have done things differently.”
A good night’s sleep for children with disabilities
A good night’s sleep for children with disabilities can be challenging for children and parents alike. The right strategy can improve sleep for better nights and better days.
CIMT and the power of HABIT
Dr. Andrew Gordon from Columbia University explains how Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and Hand and arm bimanual intensive training (HABIT) can work together to improve motor skills for children with cerebral palsy.
A cause for cerebral palsy: Could it be in our genes?
Dr. Michael Shevell from McGill University provides insight into causes for cerebral palsy, while highlighting its’ complexity. New technologies are allowing researchers gain new insights, with the near-future implications for prevention, therapy and interventions.
Growing up with cerebral palsy: Planning transition into adulthood
Cerebral palsy is complex, and consequently so is the development of the disorder. Making informed decisions about a young adults health care options, while finding the right sources of support can make all the difference.
Magnesium sulfate protects infants from cerebral palsy
Experts discuss current research, possible implications and controversy surrounding the use of Magnesium Sulfate to protect infants from Cerebral Palsy.
Articles
Is there a relationship between the level of physical activity and walking ability in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy?
The main aim of these studies was to determine if the level of physical activity is related to walking ability in individuals with mild cerebral palsy (who are able to walk without support).
What are the factors that adolescents with cerebral palsy perceive as important for their quality of life?
Twelve adolescents were interviewed individually and asked to give their opinion on the extent to which factors such as their personality, features of cerebral palsy, family, friends, school and community made a difference in their satisfaction with life.
Are children with cerebral palsy perceived by peers as having more social adjustment problems than typically developing children?
The aim of this study was to describe the social experience of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in mainstream classes in Canada and compare it with that of their classmates without a disability.
CP Canada Network Infographic
An infographic on the importance of accessible information for adults and families of children with Cerebral Palsy.
Which assessments, interventions, and best practices are actually used by occupational therapists and physical therapists in the management with Cerebral Palsy (CP)?
This study describes occupational therapy (OT) and physical therapy (PT) practices for young children with CP in Quebec, Canada. This is an important issue as cerebral palsy (CP) constitutes a substantial portion of pediatric rehabilitation.
What factors influence the quality of life of school age children with Cerebral Palsy?
This study described the quality of life of school-age children (6-12 years of age) with cerebral palsy. Parents responded for the children, providing their perspectives on how they believe their children perceives their quality of life.
What are the factors influencing participation in leisure activities in school-aged children with cerebral palsy?
This study examined the level of involvement in leisure activities for children 6-12 years of age with cerebral palsy (CP). The Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment was the evaluation tool used, and was carried out in children who were able to actively participate in completing this measure. Results showed that children with CP are actively involved in a wide range of leisure activities, although they were less likely to participate in social and active-physical activities, when compared to typically developing peers.
Do children with cerebral palsy & their parents agree in their ratings of the child’s quality of life?
Quality of life is defined as an individual’s personal perception of their well-being and general satisfaction with life. This study found that a parent’s view of their child’s quality of life is similar to the child’s own perceptions of their quality of life. However, disparities exist, therefore children themselves should complete quality of life questionnaires whenever feasible, so as to gain their own perspectives.
Communication is key: Are parents happy with the way a diagnosis of cerebral palsy is announced?
Good communication is a key part of healthcare. In this study, researchers were interested in understanding whether parents were satisfied with the way a diagnosis of cerebral palsy was communicated to them, and what factors related to that satisfaction.
How sleep affects children with cerebral palsy
Sleep disorders can have a negative effect on children’s behavior and school performance. This article explores different types of sleep problems impacting children with cerebral palsy and their families.
Cerebral palsy: Measurement and classification systems
Classification systems are an important part of care. They help physicians assess needs. Determining subtype of Cerebral Palsy allows physicians to assess pathogenesis, type of motor impairment and burden of comorbidity associated with cerebral palsy. Alternatively, GMFCS allows physicians to measure the severity of motor impairment and helps inform the progress of treatment and rehabilitation.
Is horseback riding an effective therapy for children with cerebral palsy?
The use of horseback riding can be an effective means of intervention for children with cerebral palsy and a useful addition to, or variation upon, regular therapy.
Potential markers of cerebral arteriopathy may be useful for treating stroke in children
Magnetic resonance angiogram to examine vessel wall thickening may serve as a useful marker.
The Cerebral Palsy Demonstration Project (CPDP) aims to further the understanding of Cerebral Palsy (CP) through a national registry of affected children and a collaborative research platform across Canada
The CP registry gives a comprehensive epidemiologic profile of CP in Canada, including the type, etiology, and comorbidities of particular cases.
Understanding behavioral problems and parental stress in children with Cerebral Palsy
Behavioural problems are more common in children with cerebral palsy but are rarely addressed in the clinical setting.
Possible ways to help with feeding issues in children with Cerebral Palsy
Doctors should be sure to ask about feeding issues in order to assess whether caloric supplementation and/or a feeding intervention is necessary.
Therapies
Learn about CIMT
Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) is an intervention that has proven to be effective for improving motor skills in children with cerebral palsy. In this section you can find summaries about what CIMT is as well as other similar interventions, most frequently used assessments for this intervention, clinical guidelines developed by different rehabilitation centers, suggestions of activities and schedules to start a CIMT program, and centers offering this therapy in Canada.
CIMT programs
Find Canadian rehabilitation centers offering CIMT programs in your province.
Early Interventions in EDIT-CP
In this section, families and clinicians can find useful information about existing scientific research on early interventions for cerebral palsy.
Videos
Maysoon Zayid: I got 99 problems… palsy is just one
What is Cerebral Palsy?
A dream workshop with the New York City Ballet | Humanity FTW
Communities
READYorNot
This brain-based disabilities project is recruiting participants to help develop and test an e-health intervention to improve the transition of care journey from paediatric to adult health care systems. If you are a teen with a disability, you may be eligible to participate in this study!
BRIGHT Coaching
BRIGHT Coaching is a new research program for families whose child is on a wait list for developmental assessments and services. If your child is a preschooler between the ages of 1.5 and 4.5, you may be eligible to join!
The Cerebral Palsy Forum
Connecting individuals touched by cerebral palsy directly with one another. With this forum, parents of children with cerebral palsy can meet other parents with similar circumstances.
CerebralPalsy.org
The Ultimate resource for everything Cerebral Palsy. Daily updates & info on CP & help for kids.
CP Canada Network
CP Canada Network is a collaboration of CP Organizations across Canada. This network is coming together with the community and researchers to create a National Strategy for CP in Canada.