Current approach to cerebral palsy

• Published in: European journal of paediatric neurology 2024-07, Vol.51, p.49-57
• Main Authors: Saranti, Anna, Dragoumi, Pinelopi, Papavasiliou, Antigone, Zafeiriou, Dimitrios
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cerebral palsy; Cerebral Palsy - diagnosis; Cerebral Palsy - therapy; Child; Classification; Humans; Imaging; Prevention; Risk factors; Treatment
• ISSN: 1090-3798; 1532-2130; 1532-2130
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2024.05.015

This teaching review aims to provide an overview of the current approach to children with cerebral palsy (CP), retrieving the best available evidence and summarizing existing knowledge in the field of CP in children. We also highlight areas where more research is needed and novel strategies for diagnosing and treating cerebral palsy. CP includes a group of permanent disorders of movement and posture that cause activity limitation. Multiple risk factors, occurring preconceptionally, prenatally, perinatally, or postneonatally, are involved in the pathogenesis of CP, with the prenatal ones accounting for 80–90 % of cases. Due to its heterogeneity, CP has various classifications, but usually is classified based on clinical findings and motor impairment. Standardized function classification systems have been developed to address inconsistencies in previous classifications. The combination of clinical assessment and validated predictive tools is recommended for an early diagnosis, which is important for early intervention and prevention of secondary impairments. The therapeutic regimen in CP involves prevention and management of the motor and associated problems. It includes the enhancement of motor performance, the enrichment of cognition and communication skills, the prevention of secondary impairments, and the support of parents and caregivers. The care of CP children demands a multidisciplinary approach focused on improving motor skills, reducing comorbidities, enhancing the quality of life, and prolonging survival. •Factors that act alone or additively in the causal paths of Cerebral Palsy.•Clinical reasoning and validated diagnostic tools for an early diagnosis.•Patterns in neuroimaging predictive of cerebral palsy.•Traditional classification supported by Standardized functional systems.•The management of cerebral palsy based on a multidisciplinary approach.