Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Cerebral Palsy is a group of permanent disorders appearing in early childhood, characterized by developmental delays, impaired muscle tone, and coordination, affecting movement, posture, and balance.

Causes
Prenatal (Conception to labor)

Prematurity (Gestational age less than 36 weeks)
Low Birth Weight (less than 2500 g), which could be due to poor nutritional status of the mother
Maternal epilepsy
Hyperthyroidism
Infections (TORCH = Toxoplasmosis, Other
Severe Toxemia, Eclampsia
Drug Abuse
Trauma
Multiple Pregnancies
Placental Insufficiency

Peri/ antenatal (28 weeks of gest. to 7 days)

Premature Rupture of Membranes
Prolonged and Difficult Labour
Vaginal Bleeding at the time of admission for labor
Bradycardia
Low APGAR Score

Postnatal (till 2 years)

Central Nervous System infection. (encephalitis, meningitis)
Hypoxia
Seizures
Coagulopathies
Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia
Head Trauma
Seizures

Assessment

Speech -sy’s assessment include s:-

Case History
Neurological evaluation :-
Reflexes
Physical examination
CN examination
Neuromuscular status
Assessment of Oral sensory & motor capacity –OPME
Speech subsystems:-
Quantitative measures
Qualitative measures
Assessment of associated problems
Articulation assessment
Standardized Test tools
For intelligibity:-

Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment

Word Intelligibility Test (Kent et. al, 1989)

Tikofsky Test of Intelligibility

Management

Here at Speech-sy’s,we helps to

Improve Communication:

The primary goal is to enhance overall communication skills, whether through natural speech or alternative methods.

Enhance Oral Motor Skills:

Strengthening muscles involved in speech production and swallowing is crucial.

Improve Swallowing Skills:(according to Severity)

Addressing difficulties with swallowing and feeding to ensure safe and efficient eating and drinking.

Promote Social Interaction:

Techniques Used :-

Articulation Therapy:

Guiding individuals in producing specific sounds by manipulating the mouth and tongue.

Blowing Exercises:

Strengthening breath control and improving speech production through activities like blowing bubbles or whistles.

Breathing Exercises:

Regulating breathing to minimize breathlessness and improve speech fluency.

Tongue and Jaw Exercises:

Strengthening the tongue and jaw muscles to improve speech and swallowing.

Language and Word Association:

Using pictures, objects, and books to expand vocabulary and improve language comprehension.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC):

Using devices or methods like picture boards, sign language, or voice synthesizers to facilitate communication for individuals with limited or no speech.

Swallowing Exercises:

Practicing techniques to improve swallowing safety and efficiency.

Drills:

Repeating problematic sounds, words, or phrases to reinforce correct production.

Parent/Caregiver Training:

Educating parents and caregivers on communication strategies and techniques to support the individual’s progress.

OUTCOMES

Here are the outcomes that Speech- sy ‘s offer :-

Improved communication skills: Increased vocabulary, improved sentence structure.

2.Increased social participation: Improved relationships, increased social interactions.

Improved mobility and balance: Increase independence, improved gross motor skills.
Improved cognitive function: Improved problem-solving skills, enhanced learning and memory.
Improved emotional well-being: Reduced stress and anxiety, improved self-esteem.