Types and Forms of Cerebral Palsy

What Form of Cerebral Palsy Does My Child Have? Why Does One Doctor Classify Cerebral Palsy in this Manner, While the Other Doctor Labels it in Another? Why Does Classifying Cerebral Palsy Seem So Confusing?
Cerebral palsy is caused by an injury to the brain or by abnormal brain development. Although the injury is neurological in nature, it produces affects to the body that impair movement, coordination, balance and posture, which are mostly orthopedic in nature. There are various types of cerebral palsy. To complicate matters, there are secondary conditions caused by the motor impairment, as well as other co-mitigating factors which contribute to the childs impairment. Every child is unique with varying degrees of impairment. Classification is important in understanding the individual childs impairment, and for coordinating management of care.

The Classification Preference Changes Based on Intended Use

Professionals who specialize in treatment of cerebral palsy approach the condition from a number of different vantage points. An orthopedic surgeon requires a definition of the limbs affected and the extent of impairment in order to direct treatment. Neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists, on the other hand, are more concerned with the cause of the brain abnormality and descriptors for imposing white and gray matter in an effort to determine the type of brain injury or brain malformation. They are also concerned with diagnosing the extent and severity level of the childs cerebral palsy. At first, a parent may be concerned with the severity level classification mild, moderate or severe in order to better understand the childs impairment or disability. When meeting with the childs pediatrician or physical therapist, it is useful to understand the topographical distribution of the impairment the limbs and the sides of the body affected by brain damage. It also clarifies plegia (paralysis) or paresis (weakened) condition. Government agencies and school administrators may be more concerned with classification systems that gauge the level of impairment against the level of severity in order to plan and administer benefit programs and educational resources for the child. Researchers are interested in utilizing a universally accepted classification system, such as the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), to increase consistency in studies and expand the ability to trend prevalence, life expectancy, societal impact, and prevention measures.

The Move to a Universal Classification System

For these reasons, many cerebral palsy classification systems are used today. Over the last 150 years, the definition of cerebral palsy has evolved and changed as new medical discoveries contributed to growing knowledge of the condition. Although a myriad of classifications used differently and for many

purposes exists today, those involved in cerebral palsy research are working toward a universally accepted classification system. Because of the diversity of classification systems, parents may want to document different terms doctors use in cerebral palsy diagnosis. In addition, parents should also maintain home health records documenting associated impairments, anatomic and radiation findings, as well as causation and timing. MyChild has developed the MyChild Diagnosis Checklist and theMyChild Risk Factor Checklist for this purpose. Below are the most commonly used classification systems understood and used by qualified medical practitioners involved in a childs management team. Classification Based on Severity Level Classification Based on Topographical Distribution Classification Based on Motor Function Classification Based on Gross Motor Function Classification System

CLASSIFICATION OF CEREBRAL PALSY BASED ONSeverity Level

Cerebral palsy is often classified by severity level as mild, moderate, severe, or no CP. These are broad generalizations that lack a specific set of criteria. Even when doctors agree on the level of severity, the classification provides little specific information, especially when compared to the GMFCS. Still, this method is common and offers a simple method of communicating the scope of impairment, which can be useful when accuracy is not necessary. Mild - Mild cerebral palsy means a child can move without assistance; his or her daily activities are not limited. Moderate - Moderate cerebral palsy means a child will need braces, medications, and adaptive technology to accomplish daily activities. Severe - Severe cerebral palsy means a child will require a wheelchair and will have significant challenges in accomplishing daily activities. No CP - No CP means the child has cerebral palsy signs, but the impairment was acquired after completion of brain development and is therefore classified under the incident that caused the cerebral palsy, such as traumatic brain injury or encephalopathy.

CLASSIFICATION OF CEREBRAL PALSY BASED ONTopographical Distribution

Topographical classification describes body parts affected. The words are a combination of phrases combined for one single meaning. When used with Motor Function classification, it provides a description of how and where a child is affected by cerebral palsy. This is useful in ascertaining treatment protocol. Two terms are at the heart of this classification method. Paresis means weakened Plegia/Plegic means paralyzed The prefixes and root words are combined to yield the topographical classifications commonly used in practice today. Monoplegia/monoparesis means only one limb is affected. It is believed this may be a form of hemiplegia/hemiparesis where one limb is significantly impaired. Diplegia/diparesis usually indicates the legs are affected more than the arms; primarily affects the lower body. Hemiplegia/hemiparesis indicates the arm and leg on one side of the body is affected. Paraplegia/paraparesis means the lower half of the body, including both legs, are affected. Triplegia/triparesis indicates three limbs are affected. This could be both arms and a leg, or both legs and an arm. Or, it could refer to one upper and one lower extremity and the face. Double hemiplegia/double hemiparesis indicates all four limbs are involved, but one side of the body is more affected than the other.

Tetraplegia/tetraparesis indicates that all four limbs are involved, but three limbs are more affected than the fourth. Quadriplegia/quadriparesis means that all four limbs are involved. Pentaplegia/pentaparesis means all four limbs are involved, with neck and head paralysis often accompanied by eating and breathing complications.

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CLASSIFICATION OF CEREBRAL PALSY BASED ONMotor Function

The brain injury that causes cerebral palsy affects motor function, the ability to control the body in a desired matter. Two main groupings include spastic and non-spastic. Each has multiple variations and it is possible to have a mixture of both types. Spastic cerebral palsy is characterized by increased muscle tone. Non-spastic cerebral palsy will exhibit decreased or fluctuating muscle tone. Motor function classification provides both a description of how a childs body is affected and the area of the brain injury. Using motor function gives parents, doctors, and therapists a very specific, yet broad, description of a childs symptoms, which helps doctors choose treatments with the best chance for success.

Muscle Tone
Many motor function terms describe cerebral palsys effect on muscle tone and how muscles work together. Proper muscle tone when bending an arm requires the bicep to contract and the triceps to relax. When muscle tone is impaired, muscles do not work together and can even work in opposition to one another. Two terms used to describe muscle tone are: Hypertonia/Hypertonic increased muscle tone, often resulting in very stiff limbs. Hypertonia is associated with spastic cerebral palsy Hypotonia/Hypotonic decreased muscle tone, often resulting in loose, floppy limbs. Hypotonia is associated with non-spastic cerebral palsy

Two Classifications by Motor Function: Pyramidal and Extrapyramidal

When referring to location of the brain injury, spastic and non-spastic cerebral palsy is referred to in the medical community as pyramidal (spastic) and extrapyramidal (non-spastic) cerebral palsy. The pyramidal tract consists of two groups of nerve fibers responsible for voluntary movements. They descend from the cortex into the brain stem. In essence, they are responsible for communicating the brains movement intent to the nerves in the spinal cord that will stimulate the event. Pyramidal cerebral palsy would indicate that the pyramidal tract is damaged or not functioning properly. Extrapyramidal cerebral palsy indicates the injury is outside the tract in areas such as the basal ganglia, thalamus, and cerebellum. Pyramidal and extrapyramidal are key components to movement impairments. Spastic (Pyramidal) Spasticity implies increased muscle tone. Muscles continually contract, making limbs stiff, rigid, and resistant to flexing or relaxing. Reflexes can be exaggerated, while movements tend to be jerky and awkward. Often, the arms and legs are affected. The tongue, mouth, and pharynx can be affected, as well, impairing speech, eating, breathing, and swallowing.

Spastic cerebral palsy is hypertonic and accounts for 70% to 80% of cerebral palsy cases. The injury to the brain occurs in the pyramidal tract and is referred to as upper motor neuron damage. The stress on the body created by spasticity can result in associated conditions such as hip dislocation, scoliosis, and limb deformities. One particular concern is contracture, the constant contracting of muscles that results in painful joint deformities. Spastic cerebral palsy is often named in combination with a topographical method that describes which limbs are affected, such as spastic diplegia, spastic hemiparesis, and spastic quadriplegia. Non-Spastic (Extrapyramidal) Non-spastic cerebral palsy is decreased and/or fluctuating muscle tone. Multiple forms of non-spastic cerebral palsy are each characterized by particular impairments; one of the main characteristics of non-spastic cerebral palsy is involuntary movement. Movement can be slow or fast, often repetitive, and sometimes rhythmic. Planned movements can exaggerate the effect a condition known as intention tremors. Stress can also worsen the involuntary movements, whereas sleeping often eliminates them. An injury in the brain outside the pyramidal tract causes non-spastic cerebral palsy. Due to the location of the injury, mental impairment and seizures are less likely. Non-spastic cerebral palsy lowers the likelihood of joint and limb deformities. The ability to speak may be impaired as a result of physical, not intellectual, impairment. Non-spastic cerebral palsy is divided into two groups, ataxic and dyskinetic. Together they make up 20% of cerebral palsy cases. Broken down, dyskinetic makes up 15% of all cerebral palsy cases, and ataxic comprises 5%.

Ataxic/Ataxia
Ataxic cerebral palsy affects coordinated movements. Balance and posture are involved. Walking gait is often very wide and sometimes irregular. Control of eye movements and depth perception can be impaired. Often, fine motor skills requiring coordination of the eyes and hands, such as writing, are difficult.

Dyskinetic
Dyskinetic cerebral palsy is separated further into two different groups; athetoid and dystonic. Athetoid cerebral palsy includes cases with involuntary movement, especially in the arms, legs, and hands. Dystonia/Dystonic cerebral palsy encompasses cases that affect the trunk muscles more than the limbs and results in fixed, twisted posture. Because non-spastic cerebral palsy is predominantly associated with involuntary movements, some may classify cerebral palsy by the specific movement dysfunction, such as: Athetosis slow, writhing movements that are often repetitive, sinuous, and rhythmic Chorea irregular movements that are not repetitive or rhythmic, and tend to be more jerky and shaky Choreoathetoid a combination of chorea and athetosis; movements are irregular, but twisting and curving Dystonia involuntary movements accompanied by an abnormal, sustained posture Ataxia/Ataxic does not produce involuntary movements, but instead indicates impaired balance and coordination

Mixed
A childs impairments can fall into both categories, spastic and non-spastic, referred to as mixed cerebral palsy. The most common form of mixed cerebral palsy involves some limbs affected by spasticity and others by athetosis.

CLASSIFICATION OF CEREBRAL PALSY BASED ONGross Motor Function Classification System

Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) uses a five-level system that corresponds to the extent of ability and impairment limitation. A higher number indicates a higher degree of severity. Each level is determined by an age range and a set of activities the child can achieve on his or her own.

The GMFCS is a universal classification system applicable to all forms of cerebral palsy. Using GMFCS helps determine the surgeries, treatments, therapies, and assistive technology likely to result in the best outcome for a child. Additionally, the GMFCS is a powerful system for researchers; it improves data collection and analysis and hence result in better understanding and treatment of cerebral palsy. The GMFCS addresses the goal set by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe (SCPE) which advocate for a universal classification system that focuses on what a child can accomplish, as opposed to the limitations imposed by his or her impairments. This system is useful to parents and caretakers as a developmental guideline which takes into consideration the childs motor impairment. It assigns a classification leve l (GMFCS Level 1 5). The parent is then able to understand motor impairment abilities over time, as the child progresses in age. To best utilize the GMFCS, it is often combined with other classification systems that define the extent, location, and severity of impairment. It is also recommended to document upper extremity function and speech impairments.

How is GMFCS Used?

The GMFCS uses head control, movement transition, walking, and gross motor skills such as running, jumping, and navigating inclined or uneven surfaces to define a childs accomplishment level. The goal is to present an idea of how self-sufficient a child can be at home, at school, and at outdoor and indoor venues. When the child fits in multiple levels, the lower of the two classification levels is chosen. The GMFCS classification system recognizes that children with impairments have age-appropriate developmental factors. GMFCS is able to chart by age group (0-2; 2-4; 4-6; 6-12; and 12-18) a developmental guideline appropriate for the assigned GMFCS level. It emphasizes sitting, movement transfers and mobility, charting independence and reliance on adaptive technology.

GMFCS Classification Levels

GMFCS Level I- walks without limitations. GMFCS Level II- walks with limitations. Limitations include walking long distances and balancing, but not as able as Level I to run or jump; may require use of mobility devices when first learning to walk, usually prior to age 4; and may rely on wheeled mobility equipment when outside of home for traveling long distances. GMFCS Level III- walks with adaptive equipment assistance. Requires hand-held mobility assistance to walk indoors, while utilizing wheeled mobility outdoors, in the community and at school; can sit on own or with limited external support; and has some independence in standing transfers. GMFCS Level IV- self-mobility with use of powered mobility assistance. Usually supported when sitting; self-mobility is limited; and likely to be transported in manual wheelchair or powered mobility. GMFCS Level V- severe head and trunk control limitations. Requires extensive use of assisted technology and physical assistance; and transported in a manual wheelchair, unless self-mobility can be achieved by learning to operate a powered wheelchair.

How Can I Obtain a Copy of the Expanded and Revised GMFCS Classification System?
More information about the GMFCS Classification System is available at: CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research website at McMaster University A pdf of the GMFCS Classification System is made available at: GMFCS Classification The GMFCS Classification System is provided by: GMFCS E & R Robert Palisano, Peter Rosenbaum, Doreen Bartlett, Michael Livingston, 2007, CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University.

Apa itu cerebral palsy?

DEFINISI

CP (Cerebral Palsy/ kelumpuhan otak besar) adalah suatu keadaan dimana penderitanya mengalami buruknya pengendalian otot, kekakuan, kelumpuhan serta mengalami gangguan fungsi saraf lainnya. CP bukanlah merupakan suatu penyakit dan tidak bersifat progresif (penderita tidak semakin memburuk dan juga tidak semakin baik).

PENYEBAB Anak yang mengalami cerebral palsy biasanya disebabkan karena adanya masalah yang terjadi dalam otak yang dapat berasal dari trauma kepala, radang, perdarahan otak karena adanya kelainan kromosom (seperti pada Down Syndrome), serta penyakit yang merusak otak secara progresif. Karena cedera otak ini, indera jadi bermasalah. Akibatnya mempengaruhi kemampuan otak untuk menyerap informasi (sensorik) atau kemampuan otak untuk merespons informasi (motorik). CP bisa disebabkan karena cedera otak yang terjadi pada saat ; - Bayi masih berada dalam kandungan - Saat proses persalinan berlangsung - Bayi yang baru lahir - Anak yang berumur kurang dari 5 tahun. - Menurut penelitian lebih banyak penyebabnya tidak diketahui. 10-15% kasus CP terjadi akibat otak cedera pada saat lahir dan berkurangnya aliran darah ke otak sebelum, selama dan segera setelah bayi lahir. Bayi yang lahir prematur sangat rentan terhadap CP, kemungkinan karena pembuluh darah ke otak bayi prematur belum berkembang secara sempurna dan mudah mengalami perdarahan karena tidak dapat mengalirkan oksigen ke otak dalam jumlah yang memadai. Cedera otak bisa disebabkan oleh: - Kadar bilirubin yang tinggi di dalam darah - Penyakit berat pada tahun pertama kehidupan bayi - Cedera kepala karena - Cedera pembuluh darah.

GEJALA Gejala biasanya timbul sebelum anak berumur 2 tahun dan pada kasus yang berat, bisa muncul pada saat anak berumur 3 bulan. Gejalanya bervariasi, mulai dari kejanggalan yang tidak tampak nyata sampai kekakuan yang berat, yang menyebabkan perubahan bentuk lengan dan tungkai sehingga anak harus memakai kursi roda. Gejala lain yang juga bisa ditemukan pada CP: - Kecerdasan di bawah normal - Keterbelakangan mental

- Kejang/ epilepsi (terutama pada tipe spastik) - Pernafasan yang tidak teratur - Gerakan menjadi terbatas. - Kontraktur persendian - Gangguan menghisap atau - Gangguan menelan atau mengunyah makanan - Gangguan perkembangan kemampuan motorik - Gangguan berbicara (disartria) - Gangguan penglihatan - Gangguan pendengaran

KLASIFIKASI Cerebral Palsy dapat diklasifikasikan menurut : (a) Derajat kecacatan (b) Tipografi anggota badan yang cacat dan (c) Fisiologi kelainan geraknya.

(a) Penggolongan menurut derajat kecacatan cerebal palsy dapat digolongkan atas : 1. Golongan ringan : mereka yang dapat berjalan tanpa menggunakan alat, berbicara tegas, da menolong dirinya sendiri dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Mereka dapat hidup bersama-sama dengan a normal lainnya, meskipun cacat tetapi tidak mengganggu kehidupan dan pendidikannya. 2. Golongan sedang : mereka yang membutuhkan treatment/latihan khusus untuk bicara, berja dan mengurus dirinya sendiri, golongan ini memerlukan alat-lat khusus untuk membantu gerakann seperti brace untuk membantu penyangga kaki, kruk/ tongkat sebagai penopang dalam berjalan. Deng pertolongan secara khusus, anak-anak kelompok ini diharapkan dapat mengurus dirinya sendiri. 3. Golongan berat : anak cerebral palsy golongan ini yang tetap membutuhkan perawatan da ambulasi, bicara, dan menolong dirinya sendiri, mereka tidak dapat hidup mandiri ditengah-teng masyarakat.

(b) Penggolongan menurut tipografi, dilihat dari tipografi yaitu banyaknya anggota tubuh yang lumpuh, cerebral palsy dapat digolongkan menjadi 6 (enam) golongan, yaitu: 1. Monoplegia, hanya satu anggota gerak yang lumpuh misalnya kaki kiri, sedangkan kaki kanan d keduanya tangannya normal. 2. Hemiplegia, lumpuh anggota gerak atas dan bawah pada sisi yang sama, misalnya tangan dan k kanan , atau tangan kiri dan kaki kiri. 3. Paraplegia, lumpuh pada kedua tungkai kakinya. 4. Diplegia, kedua tangan kanan dan kiri atau kedua kaki kanan dan kiri (paraple-gia) 5. Triplegia, tiga anggota gerak mengalami kelumpuhan, misalnya tangan kanan dan kedua kaki lumpuh, atau tangan kiri dan kedua kakinya lumpuh. 6. Quadriplegia, anak jenis ini mengalami kelumpuhan seluruh anggota geraknya. Mereka cacat pa kedua tangan dan kakinya. Quadriplegia bisa juga disebut triplegia.

(c) Penggolongan menurut fisiologi dilihat dari kelainan gerak dilihat dari segi letak kelainan di otak dan fungsi geraknya(Motorik), anak cerebral palsy dibedakan menjadi: 1. Spastik. Tipe ini (50% dari semua kasus CP), ditandai dengan adanya gejala kekejangan a kekakuan pada sebagian ataupun seluruh otot. Kekakuan itu timbul sewaktu akan digerakkan ses dengan kehendak. Dalam keadaan ketergantungan emosional kekakuan atau kekejangan itu ma bertambah, sebaliknya dalam keadaan tenang, gejala itu menjadi berkurang. Pada umumnya anak jenis spastik ini memiliki tingkat kecerdasan yang tidak terlalu rendah. Diantara mereka ada yang nor bahkan ada yang diatas normal. 2. Athetoid. Pada tipe ini tidak terdapat kekejangan atau kekakuan. Otot-ototnya dapat digerak dengan mudah. Ciri khas tipe ini terdapat pada sistem gerakan. Hampir semua gerakan terjadi dil kontrol dan koordinasi gerak. 3. Ataxia. Ciri khas tipe ini adalah seakan-akan kehilangan keseimbangan,. Kekakuan memang ti tampak tetapi mengalami kekakuan pada waktu berdiri atau berjalan. Gangguan utama pada tipe terletak pada sistem koordinasi dan pusat keseimbangan pada otak. Akibatnya, anak tuna tipe mengalami gangguan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari, misalnya pada saat makan mulut terkatup terle dahulu sebelum sendok berisi makanan sampai ujung mulut. 4. Tremor. Gejala yang tampak jelas pada tipe ini adalah senantiasa dijumpai adanya gerak gerakan kecil dan terus-menerus berlangsung sehingga tampak seperti bentuk getaran-getaran. Gera itu dapat terjadi pada kepala, mata, tungkai, dan bibir. 5. Rigid. Pada tipe ini didapat kekakuan otot, tetapi tidak seperti pada tipe spastik, gerakannya tan tidak ada keluwesan, gerakan mekanik lebih tampak. 6. Tipe Campuran. Pada tipe ini seorang anak menunjukan dua jenis ataupun lebih gejala tuna sehingga akibatnya lebih berat bila dibandingkan dengan anak yang hanya memiliki satu jenis/ kecacatan.

DIAGNOSA Pada pemeriksaan akan ditemukan tertundanya perkembangan kemampuan motorik. Refleks infantil (misalnya menghisap dan terkejut) tetap ada meskipun seharusnya sudah menghilang. Tremor otot atau kekakuan tampak dengan jelas, dan anak cenderung melipat lengannya ke arah samping, tungkainya bergerak seperti gunting atau gerakan abnormal lainnya. Berbagai pemeriksaan laboratorium bisa dilakukan untuk menyingkirkan penyebab lainnya: MRI kepala menunjukkan adanya kelainan struktur maupun kelainan bawaan CT scan kepala menunjukkan adanya kelainan struktur maupun kelainan bawaan Pemeriksaan pendengaran (untuk menentukan status fungsi pendengaran) Pemeriksaan penglihatan (untuk menentukan status fungsi penglihatan) EEG Biopsi otot.

PENGOBATAN

CP tidak dapat disembuhkan dan merupakan kelainan yang berlangsung seumur hidup. Tetapi banyak hal yang dapat dilakukan agar anak bisa hidup semandiri mungkin. Pengobatan yang dilakukan biasanya tergantung kepada gejala dan bisa berupa: - terapi fisik - braces (penyangga) - kaca mata - alat bantu dengar - pendidikan dan sekolah khusus - obat anti-kejang - obat pengendur otot (untuk mengurangi tremor dan kekakuan) - terapi okupasional - bedah ortopedik - terapi wicara memperjelas bicara anak dan membantu atasi masalah makan - perawatan (untuk kasus yang berat). Jika tidak terdapat gangguan fisik dan kecerdasan yang berat, banyak anak dengan CP yang tumbuh secara normal dan masuk ke sekolah biasa. Anak lainnya memerlukan terapi fisik yang luas, pendidikan khusus dan selalu memerlukan bantuan dalam menjalani aktivitasnya seharihari. Pada beberapa kasus, untuk membebaskan kontraktur persendian yang semakin memburuk akibat kekakuan otot, mungkin perlu dilakukan pembedahan. Pembedahan juga perlu dilakukan untuk memasang selang makanan dan untuk mengendalikan refluks gastroesofageal.

PROGNOSIS Prognosis biasanya tergantung kepada jenis dan beratnya CP. Lebih dari 90% anak dengan CP bisa bertahan hidup sampai dewasa.