Simone Battibugli
The Children’s Medical Centre, UAE
Title: Improving motor function of children with cerebral palsy: What is the rational of early intervention?
Biography
Biography: Simone Battibugli
Abstract
Cerebral palsy is the result of a non-progressive lesion or injury to developing brain and has multiple causes and clinical manifestations, making a discussion on diagnosis and screening challenging. In the past, the diagnosis of cerebral palsy was largely a clinical diagnosis, with the development of imaging it has been recommended that clinical diagnosis of cerebral palsy should be confirmed by imaging. Although difficult, early diagnosis is extremely important as it provides opportunity early intervention. Recently, there is a renewed interest in qualitative assessment of general movements in newborns. This cost effective diagnostic tool consists of observing the infant’s spontaneous movements with promising results providing high specificity and sensitivity. Poor control of muscles and movement in children with cerebral palsy can be associated with a wide range of functional challenges. Traditional efforts to manage these motor disabilities have been directed to improving tone and promoting adequate motor patterns. Contemporary approaches to treatment are addressing muscle weakness as a common element of functional problems with encouraging results. Brain and muscle plasticity in response to specific types of therapy has been demonstrated in CP. The amazing developmental changes of the brain between preterm age and the age of 1 year post-term offers opportunities for early intervention. The goal of motor training is to optimize the development of skilled motor function. Fixed contractures are managed by lengthening of the muscle-tendon unit by the technique that delivers the safest and most effective surgical technique that gives appropriate amount of lengthening of the muscle for the child in question. Given that cerebral palsy presents at early in infancy and persists throughout an individual’s lifetime, the disorder needs to be thought of and managed in the context of development, functioning with a family based and community integration.