Medical and Dental Implications of Cerebral Palsy: Part 1 General and Medical Characteristics: A Review

Abstract

Abstract: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neuromuscular disorders that affects the development of movement and posture, causing activity limitations. CP is classified into three main groups: spastic, dyskinetic and ataxic. Population-based studies from around the world report estimates of CP prevalence ranging from 1.5 to more than 4 per 1,000 live births. The commonest cause of CP remains unknown in 50% of the cases; prematurity remains the common asterisk factor. CP children suffer from numerous problems and potential disabilities such as mental retardation, epilepsy, feeding difficulties, and ophthalmologic and hearing impairments. This paper reviews and critically discusses the definition, epidemiology, aetiology, classifications, treatments and associated manifestation and complications of CP.