What Is Cerebral Palsy Spastic Diplegia?

Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects motor skills development between the brain and certain nerves and muscles in the body. The disease is most apt to occur during the time of fetal development or at infancy. While cerebral palsy can affect both the upper and lower extremities, when the disease is associated with the legs, it is known as cerebral palsy spastic diplegia.

History

• In the mid 1800s a doctor by the name of William Little first identified what is now referred to as cerebral palsy spastic diplegia. Little observed children with the disease on a regular basis and documented his findings. In most cases, the children had difficulty with ambulatory movements and range of motion. Little also noted that the condition did not appear to be degenerative, as it did not worsen as a child aged. He hypothesized that the reason the children developed the disorder was due to oxygen deprivation -- a theory that has been disputed by present day medical experts. At this time scientists have not found a valid cause for developing cerebral palsy spastic diplegia.

Spastic Symptoms

• When discussing cerebral palsy, it is important to define the term "spastic" as it relates to the condition. Muscles of cerebral palsy patients are often tense and stiff. At times, involuntary muscle responses may cause "jerking" movements that are referred to as spastic. These abrupt motions commonly affect the arms, legs, head and torso.

Diagnosis

• There are four main categories of the cerebral palsy condition. The cerebral palsy spectrum is further broadened by nine additional subtypes that define which areas of the body are associated with the disease. Cerebral palsy spastic diplegia is the most common of the nine subtypes. The disease becomes suspect as a child begins to grow and show signs of developmental delays. When milestones are not reached as expected, parents will often bring this to the attention of a physician who determines the root cause. Toddlers who have trouble crawling, sitting up, or have marked difficulty with mobility are often given a series of tests to help determine if cerebral palsy spastic diplegia is a factor.

Gait

• The gait of a cerebral palsy spastic diplegia patient is often affected. In extreme cases the hips and knees are affected, resulting in flexed knees and hips (scissoring) upon standing and walking. As these children grow their weight can further compromise their ability to walk, sometimes resulting in the need to use a wheelchair. In cases where a diagnosis of cerebral palsy spastic diplegia is not so severe, the gait can be helped with the assistance of orthopedic devices such as braces.

Treatment

• The main goal of families, physicians and advocates who care for patients with cerebral palsy spastic diplegia is independence. Although there is no cure for the disease, patients can benefit from a treatment program that involves a mixture of physical therapy and assistive technologies. Treatment options often include a dynamic team of physicians and specialists who work together to promote a positive atmosphere. The team most often consists of a physician, private nurse, social worker, and both a physical and occupational therapist. Input from the parents is always included in the treatment plan, as well as the wants and needs of the patient.