Cerebral Palsy is a complex neurological condition that affects thousands of individuals worldwide. It’s a condition that not only impacts those diagnosed but also leaves their families with questions and concerns about its causes, including whether it has a genetic basis.
At Let’s Go Physio, we frequently encounter these queries, and in this blog, we will delve into the topic of whether Cerebral Palsy is a genetic condition, inherited from parents.
Understanding Cerebral Palsy
Before we dive into the genetic aspect of Cerebral Palsy, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of the condition. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that can affect both adults and children and is characterised by impaired muscle control and movement, often resulting from brain damage occurring before or during birth, infancy, or early childhood.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy can present itself with common signs and symptoms depending on when and where the damage occurred.
For example, if a child is born prematurely, it is likely that they will have sensory processing issues and visual disturbances. The infant may have been diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), cortico visual impairment (CVI), and they may have also suffered an intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH).
Another symptom could be irritability as children/adults with Cerebral Palsy struggle to settle and become irritable unless they are with certain people.
Other common diagnoses associated with cerebral palsy include hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), contracted a virus (meningitis, cytomegalovirus or other infection). They may have been diagnosed with jaundice or a traumatic brain injury. There are many reasons why a child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
How Does Cerebral Palsy affect the body?
Cerebral Palsy affects the body primarily by causing impaired muscle control and coordination due to damage or abnormalities in the developing brain. The specific effects can vary widely from person to person, but some common ways it impacts the body include:
Motor Impairments: Individuals with Cerebral Palsy may experience difficulties with muscle tone, balance, and coordination. This can lead to muscle stiffness (spasticity), involuntary movements (dyskinesia), or weak muscles (hypotonia). These motor impairments can affect mobility and fine motor skills.
Mobility Challenges: Many people with Cerebral Palsy may have difficulty walking independently and may require mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, or braces. Some may be able to walk with assistance or specialised equipment.
Speech and Communication: Cerebral Palsy can affect the muscles used for speech and communication. Some individuals may have difficulty articulating words or may rely on alternative communication methods such as sign language or communication devices.
Fine Motor Skills: Tasks that require precise hand and finger movements, such as writing, buttoning a shirt, or using utensils, can be challenging for those with Cerebral Palsy due to impaired fine motor skills.
Sensory and Perception Issues: Some individuals with Cerebral Palsy may experience sensory processing difficulties, which can affect how they perceive and respond to sensory stimuli such as touch, sound, or light.
Co-occurring Conditions: Cerebral Palsy can be associated with other health issues, including intellectual disabilities, epilepsy, vision or hearing impairments, and behavioural or emotional challenges.
Musculoskeletal Problems: Over time, the abnormal muscle tone and posture associated with Cerebral Palsy can lead to musculoskeletal problems, such as joint contractures, scoliosis, and hip dislocations.
Difficulty with Activities of Daily Living: Tasks like dressing, bathing, and eating may require assistance or adaptive equipment for individuals with severe Cerebral Palsy.
Is Cerebral Palsy Genetic?
The short answer is no, Cerebral Palsy is not primarily a genetic condition. In most cases, it is not inherited from parents. Instead, it arises from various prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors. Let’s break this down:
Prenatal Factors: The majority of Cerebral Palsy cases are the result of prenatal factors, including maternal infections, prenatal stroke, genetic mutations that occurred spontaneously during development, and maternal health issues during pregnancy. These factors disrupt the normal brain development of the fetus.
Perinatal Factors: Some Cerebral Palsy cases can be attributed to perinatal factors such as birth asphyxia, premature birth, and low birth weight. These conditions can lead to oxygen deprivation and brain damage during or shortly after birth.
Postnatal Factors: While less common, Cerebral Palsy can also be caused by postnatal factors such as head injuries, infections, and other brain injuries that occur in infancy or early childhood.
How can we help?
Our collective knowledge and skills in treatment concepts such as Bobath and MAES therapy mean that our team has a wealth of experience in the assessment and treatment of Cerebral Palsy from birth to adulthood.
We work to identify the key skills that the child and/or adult is missing in terms of their overall development/ presentation and try to develop so that in time movement patterns become more refined. Our therapists aim to take the pressure out of treatment sessions so that clients can experiment with movement with the aim of developing a wider repertoire and quality of movement.
Whilst we acknowledge the presence of abnormal muscle tone, dyskinesia, loss of balance, co-ordination, ataxia, pain, stiffness within muscles and joint range of movement our primary focus is skill development for the long-term future.
Next steps
In summary, Cerebral Palsy is not a genetic disorder in the traditional sense. It primarily results from prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal factors that disrupt normal brain development. While genetics can play a minor role in some cases, it is not the main cause of Cerebral Palsy.
We understand that the prospect of treatment can be daunting. To help make your experience as comfortable and as stress-free as possible, our team of therapists will work with you to create a bespoke therapy plan. If you’re interested in learning more about our services, or if you have any questions, please get in touch with our friendly team.