Cerebral Palsy

Unlike other conditions, CP is diagnosed within the first two years of life. The condition occurs in either fetal or infancy stages of development when there is an event that causes either a lack of oxygen supplied to the brain, an infection, trauma, or premature birth. Those with CP experience impairments in movement, as well as sensations, perception, cognition, communication, and behavioural deficits.

CP can be categorized into four different motor types: spastic (70-80%), ataxic (6%), dyskinetic (6%), and mixed types. Spastic presents with the person’s muscles appearing stiff and rigid, this form is a result of damage to the Motor Cortex of the brain. Dyskinetic arises from damage in the Basal Ganaglia (located in the brain), and is characterized by involuntary movement. Those with an ataxic form of CP present with shaky movements and is often accompanied by poor balance and proprioception. This form of cerebral palsy comes from damage in the Cerebellum of the brain. Each form of CP can either affect all limbs (quadriplegia), both legs (diplegia), or both arms and legs on one side of the body (hemiplegia). Motor function can be assessed in children by using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS); categorizing gross motor skills into five different categories that is based on their performance at home, school, or within their community. The GMFCS aids in prognosis, education, treatment, and resource allocation for the individual and their family, making early detection an indicator for better outcomes.

The five categories of the GMFCS are marked as follows:

• Level I – Children can perform gross motor tasks (ex: running and jumping), but their ability to balance, change/control speed, and coordination are impaired. No gait aid is needed.
• Level II – Children may have difficulties with walking far distances, need railings to climb stairs, or have difficulties maintaining balance on uneven surfaces. Gross motor abilities are minimal, often presents in impairments in running or jumping. They likely use a handheld mobility aid or wheeled mobility for longer durations or distances.
• Level III – Typically children in this level will walk using a hand-held mobility aid for short distances, and wheeled mobility for longer. Will often self-propel for shorter distances and use hands to hold onto railings.
• Level IV – Children are dependent on powered and/or wheeled mobility methods, some requiring a person to assist. Around home they walk short distances, but in the community they use a manual or powered wheelchair.
• Level V – Children categorized in this level use a manual wheelchair as their means of transport in all settings. Children are limited in maintaining both upright trunk positioning and control of extremities.