Cognitive impairment in Cerebral Palsy

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Understanding Cerebral Palsy

• Cerebral Palsy (CP) refers to a group of
  disorders that impair a childs posture, balance,
  and mobility.
• It is caused by abnormal brain development or
  irreparable damage to the developing brain.
• It usually occurs in-utero or shortly after
  birth.

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Motor symptoms of CP

• Incontinence
• Exaggerated movements
• Floppy or stiff limbs
• Involuntary movements and/or tremors
• Dysphagia
• Excessive drooling

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Neurological symptoms of CP

• Delayed motor skill development
• Visual/hearing difficulties
• Cognitive impairment
• Speech and language delay
• Behavioral issues
• Sensory dysregulation

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What is cognitive function?

• The ability to learn and reason (process and
  information), acquire knowledge through
  experiences, the five senses, and thoughts.
• Cognitive impairment in Cerebral Palsy
• Children with CP may or may not experience
  cognitive dysfunction
• Its extent and severity differ on a case to case
  basis

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Symptoms of cognitive impairment in CP

• Speech and language impairment
• The child may be able to comprehend what is being
  said, but may find it difficult to communicate
  their response correctly.
• They may be able to recognise hunger cues, but
  may not know how to say that they are hungry.
• This can also lead to delayed emotional
  development.

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Symptoms of cognitive impairment in CP

• Behavioral Issues
• Emotional outbursts, anxiety, anger, etc. are
  common symptoms of cognitive impairment.
• The child may feel singled out due to their
  learning difficulties. As a result they may feel
  threatened and lash out at their family and/or
  peers.
• The child may feel uncomfortable or
  misunderstood. But they are unable to communicate
  how they feel.

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Symptoms of cognitive impairment in CP

• Sensory difficulties
• Similar to sensory processing disorder and
  sensitivity issues in children with Autism,
  cognitive impairment in CP can also cause sensory
  difficulties.
• The child may find it challenging to adjust and
  feel safe in different environments.

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Cognitive rehabilitation therapy

• At Plexus Neuro and Stem Cell Research Centre, we
  offer four levels of cognitive rehabilitation
  therapy that can greatly benefit your child. The
  four levels are -
• Education
• Process training
• Strategy training
• Functional activities training
• Other therapies to improve cognitive function -
• Developmental therapy
• Early intervention therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech and language therapy

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How will my child benefit from Plexus CP
rehabilitation Program? Consistent therapy
through rehabilitation will help your child to

• Move around independently
• Better their social and communication skills
• Become self-sufficient when it comes to daily
  activities like bathing, eating, dressing, etc.
• Improve their speech
• Improve their play skills and boost overall
  development
• Gain self-confidence
• Prevent the development of contractures and joint
  deformities