Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is the general name given to a class of disorders that affect children during their first years. It is characterized by difficulty in movements and coordination of the limbs and the torso. Ataxic Cerebral Palsy is the rarest form of Cerebral Palsy affecting only 10 to 15 percent of known cases. Named Ataxic, meaning not able to coordinate voluntary movements, specifically, not able to put limbs in a desired place, it affects walking, reaching, grasping, balance, and depth perception.

The most common sign of Ataxia Cerebral Palsy is the intention or action tremor. This is the shaking of the limbs when trying to complete voluntary tasks such as buttoning a shirt, holding a pencil, or pushing a button. Intention tremors also affect walking; causing the individual to walk unsteadily with legs spread far apart. Problems with depth perception add to the patient's inability to complete these every day voluntary tasks.

The overall cause of Ataxic Cerebral Palsy is damage to the cerebellum, the back lower portion of the brain, which connects to the Medulla and subsequently to the spinal cord. Specific reasons for damage to this part of the brain occur from five sources, fetal complications, genetics, injury, disease, or malpractice.

Fetal complications occurring in the uterus are diminished blood and/or oxygen supplies to the brain. Hereditary and genetic factors have also been shown to be a cause. Head injuries to the fetus or newborn infant are also an originating factor. Diseases such as severe or untreated jaundice in newborn infants, meningitis in the pregnant mother, as well as maternal seizures or thyroid disorders are also a source. Medical malpractice before, during, or after birth have been proved also to be the cause in some patients.

There is no known cure, but there are treatments that can help the patient improve their lifestyle. These treatments include anticonvulsant drugs like Primidone, muscle relaxants such as Benzodiazepine and Botox. Other treatments include physical therapy, occupational therapy, motion exercises and devices that lessen the stress and fatigue of intention tremors such as wheelchairs and braces.

Cooling the forearm, wrist and hand with a cold pack like device is a new treatment being used to lessen the intention tremors. Cooling makes it possible to perform common tasks like cooking, putting on makeup, or writing for about 30 minutes after treatment.

While these treatments can help the patient live with their disease, they have limited uses and the intention tremors and lack of muscle coordination will inevitably worsen as the patient ages.

A baby can remains in the birth canal for an extended period and may be deprived of an adequate oxygen supply. this can be a result of drugs given to mothers to initiate contractions and labour. In most cases this does not cause a problem, but it can result in excessively prolonged labour when the drugs do not work as intended.