Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Cerebral Palsy is defined as a non-progressive, but changing, disorder of movement and posture due to an insult to the developing brain.
1. Clinical Classification
| Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|
| Spastic (Most Common) | Upper motor neuron signs (hypertonia, hyperreflexia, clonus, Babinski sign). |
| Dyskinetic/Athetoid | Involuntary, slow, writhing movements are associated with kernicterus. |
| Ataxic | Cerebellar involvement: intention tremor, wide-based gait. |
2. High-Yield Risk Factors
- Prenatal: Intrauterine infections (TORCH), congenital malformations.
- Natal: Birth asphyxia, prematurity, low birth weight.
- Postnatal: Neonatal jaundice, meningitis, and intracranial hemorrhage.
NEET PG Hint: Remember that CP is a clinical diagnosis. The Persistence of Primitive Reflexes (e.g., Moro, Tonic Neck) beyond the expected age is an early red flag. Spastic diplegia is the most common form associated with prematurity (periventricular leukomalacia).