Experts emphasized proper care of a pregnant woman to protect her unborn children from cerebral palsy (CP), a disability that mainly affects movement, talking, digestion and focus on to something. “Parents, specially the mother must be very careful during pregnancy to avoid CP, which caused mainly by injury to the part of the brain of the unborn or newborn that affects movement,” Director of The Institute of Pediatric Neuro-disorder and Autism (IPNA) under Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Professor Dr Shaheen Akhter told media. “The injury usually occurs when the brain is growing rapidly in mother’s womb, during birth or the first few years of life. A number of causes can result in Cerebral Palsy including infections during pregnancy, birth injury, being born premature, serious infection in a baby or accidents that injures to brain,” she added.
“The most common feature in cerebral palsy is spasticity (tight, stiff muscle tone), though some kids with CP may have very loose muscles. Your child might also have trouble with hearing and vision. Difficulties with speech are common, and seizures may also occur,” Pediatric Neurodisorder expert Dr Muzharul Mannan told.
Most instances of CP can be identified by the age of 2, although it’s occasionally possible to identify as early as a few months, according to IPNA.
Emphasizing taking regular vaccination during pregnancy the experts said vaccination against diseases such as rubella may prevent an infection that could cause fetal brain damage to the child.
Different diagnosis including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT) scan, cranial ultrasound, electroencephalography (EEG) is also important to detect CP, said the expert. “You are your child’s greatest strength. The most important thing to remember is that tailored education, physical therapy plans and plenty of encouragement from you will help your child reach her full potential in spite of CP,” Dr Shaheen added.
Experts also asked for taking proper care of health of a pregnant mom, saying, the healthier a mother would be during the pregnancy, the less likely she’ll develop an infection that may result in CP in her unborn.
