Cerebral Palsy in Children

This page explains what cerebral palsy is and what you might see in a child who is affected by the condition.  You will also find an explanation of the ways in which a Straps Spiral Thigh Brace may be used to assist these children.

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a condition that occurs when there has been some damage to the motor control centers of the developing brain. Of those children affected the damage is likely to occured during the following periods:

• during pregnancy (about 75 percent)
• during childbirth (about 5 percent)
• after birth up to about age three (about 15 percent)

Nearly half of all children who develop cerebral palsy were born prematurely with low birth weight.

Cerebral palsy effects the  development of movement and posture and can limit what activities children can manage.  Parents might report that children have unusual movements, are unable to sit up or may not be able to hold things.  Some children have speech and learning difficulties as well.

The condition is not progressive, however it might change slightly over time.  At the moment there is no cure.  Early diagnosis and a therapy program will assist children to overcome many of the physical difficulties.

How to identify cerebral palsy.

Although it is a neurological disorder, cerebral palsy usually reveals its presence  through patterns of body movement and muscle co-ordination. Most kids who are born with the condition are usually identified between six months and three years of age.

Problems associated with cerebral palsy can range from very minor to major. In the worst case range, challenges might include significant physical disability and a range of secondary conditions that can effect learning, speech and behavior. Children will benefit from early diagnosis of their condition and appropriate therapies.

Parents and childhood specialists might notice that children have unusual muscle tone, movement or style of walk. Here are some of the characteristics which might be observed in a child with cerebral palsy.

General play

• may appear clumsy

Sitting

• slouching over while sitting

Muscle Tone

• have a muscle tone that is either too stiff or too floppy

Movement

• display exaggerated reflexes
• perform involuntary movements including facial expressions

Walking Style

• balance problems
• crouched walking style
• scissored walk where knees come in and cross
• walk with one foot or leg dragging
• walking on their toes

How does a Straps Spiral Thigh Brace help a child with cerebral palsy?

The Spiral Thigh Brace is helpful because it reduces the excessive internal rotation of the hip (femoral antevisions).

It can improve a childs walking style by supporting the pelvis.  This increased stability assists with balance and can limit the amount of scissoring.  This brace also turns the legs out into a more neutral position so that when the child walks their legs don’t bump into each other as much.  This helps reduce the instance of falls.

The Straps brace offers several benefits over other therapy garments currently available.  This brace is lighter and cooler to wear.  It has a more athletic rather than medical appearance.  Parents report that children wearing this type of brace attract less attention because of the braces athletic appearance.

How can a Straps Posture Vest benefit a child with cerebral palsy?

Posture vests are used when there is low muscle tone in the chest, spine and abdomen.  The vests promote an erect posture and core stability in an upright position. Because the child can sit up properly it means they are more able to use their arms and hands.  This vest also pulls the shoulders back and promotes an erect spine.

This in turn improves the potential for chest expansion and more efficient breathing.