Stem Cell Therapy for Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, and coordination. It is caused by damage or abnormal development to the areas of the brain that control motor function (movement) _1,2.

The exact cause of cerebral palsy is not always known, but some possible factors include

• Brain injury before, during, or shortly after birth
• Infections during pregnancy or in early infancy
• Genetic mutations or abnormalities
• Lack of oxygen to the brain

Risk factors for cerebral palsy include 

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Multiple births, such as twins or triplets
• Maternal infections during pregnancy

The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary depending on the severity of the condition and the parts of the body that are affected. Some common symptoms include:

1. Abnormal muscle tone, like stiffness or floppiness of the muscles
2. Delayed motor developmental milestones, such as sitting up, crawling, or walking
3. Difficulty with fine motor skills, such as writing or using scissors
4. Exaggerated reflexes or reflexes that persist beyond infancy
5. Muscle spasms or tremors
6. Poor balance and coordination
7. Speech difficulties, including slurred or slow speech, or difficulty with articulation
8. Intellectual disabilities or learning difficulties

It’s important to note that not all children with cerebral palsy will experience all of these symptoms, and some may have additional symptoms not listed here.

There are several different types of cerebral palsy, which are classified based on the type of movement impairment and the parts of the body that are affected. These types include:₃

1. Spastic cerebral palsy affects about 70-80% of people with cerebral palsy and presents with stiff, tight muscles and difficulty with movement.
2. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy presents with involuntary movements and muscle spasms. It can affect the face, arms, and legs, and can cause difficulty with speaking and eating.
3. Ataxic cerebral palsy presents with balance and coordination problems. People with ataxic cerebral palsy have difficulty with fine motor skills and may walk with an unsteady gait.
4. Mixed cerebral palsy involves a combination of two or more types of movement impairment.

Cerebral palsy can also be classified based on the parts of the body that are affected. These types include:

1. Hemiplegic – affects one side of the body, typically the arm and leg on the same side
2. Diplegic – affects two limbs or body parts on both sides of the body. Diplegic cerebral palsy tends to affect the legs more than the arms, causing difficulty with walking and balance.
3. Quadriplegic – affects all four limbs and the trunk, and can also affect the muscles used for breathing and swallowing
4. Triplegic – affects three limbs, typically both legs and one arm
5. Monoplegic –  a rare type of cerebral palsy that affects only one limb

It’s important to note that some people with cerebral palsy may have a mixture of these types or may not fit neatly into one category. Additionally, the severity of cerebral palsy can vary widely, even within the same type or classification.

Cerebral palsy is classified into several different levels of severity, based on how much it affects a person’s movement and functional abilities. The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) classifies a person’s ability to perform gross motor skills and their mobility. The five levels of the GMFCS are: ₄

1. Level I, where people can walk without limitations, but may have difficulty with more complex movements and activities.
2. Level II, where people can walk independently on flat surfaces but require assistive devices or support for longer distances or on uneven terrain.
3. Level III, where people can walk with assistive devices, such as walkers or crutches, and may require a wheelchair for longer distances or on uneven terrain.
4. Level IV, where people primarily use a wheelchair for mobility but may be able to stand or walk short distances with assistance.
5. Level V, where people have severe limitations in their mobility and may require extensive support for basic daily activities.

It’s important to note that this classification system only describes a person’s movement and does not factor in cognitive abilities or communication skills. Additionally, a person’s level of severity may change over time as they receive therapy and treatment.