Cerebral Palsy Research- The Breakthroughs.
Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affects the normal motor functions of the brain. It leads to disruption of the communication between the brain and the muscles. Cerebral palsy is a permanent disorder that causes restricted motor functions and learning disabilities in children.
Causes and Symptoms
The main cause of cerebral palsy is brain damage. This could occur in the mother's womb, during or after birth. Premature babies stand a higher chance of getting this disease. Other risk factors include multiple births, intraventricular bleeding and asphyxia (oxygen shortage in the brain). Brain infections such as meningitis and head injuries also lead to cerebral palsy.
Children with cerebral palsy find it difficult to perform simple tasks. Such children reach the developmental milestones later in life, such as rolling over, sitting and walking. They also experience seizures and involuntary, jerky movements.
Research on Cerebral Palsy
Medical researchers and scientists worldwide are using their expertise towards better understanding, diagnosis and treatment of cerebral palsy. The NINDS (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke), the NICHD (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development), agencies within the government and non-profit organizations provide support and funding for cerebral palsy research. Scientists need to study normal fetal brain development to understand when an infant's brain shows abnormal development. It is more important to find methods of prevention, as it is the only way out. Scientists are trying to find the genes responsible for causing cerebral palsy by various genetic screening techniques. This could prove whether genetic defects cause brain malformations and chromosomal aberrations. Research has proved that bleeding in the brain releases very high amounts of a chemical called Glutamate. Although it helps neurons communicate, excessive amounts can kill the neurons. Studying this toxic chemical can lead researchers to come up with a drug to counter its harmful effects.
Scientists are examining the potential of Neurotrophin (a substance that protects neurons from damage) to prevent brain damage. Researchers are in the process of developing devices that measure electrical activity in the brain and behavioral tests. This will help identify infants at the risk of cerebral palsy before they are born.
Various new therapies are also being worked upon. Research in this field will help widen the horizons and provide a bright future for patients with cerebral palsy.