Little is spoken about Cerebral Palsy (CP) in Malaysia, yet it is one of the most common neurodevelopment disability amongst children. It is caused by abnormal brain development due to non-progressive damage sustained to the developing brain—which can occur during pregnancy, birth, and even up to the first three years of child’s development.
The condition hinders the control, one has over their own muscles—affecting movement and posture. There are various types of CP, and commonly children with CP have delay in gross motor development i.e walking and in more severe cases, may be unable to walk and move their hands which require around-the-clock care.
Early intervention via a rehabilitation program is crucial to help children with CP attain their best functional abilities in accordance to their condition and age. It can also help to prevent further health complication such as painful hip dislocation or scoliosis.
What are the symptoms?
Parents need to pay close attention to any delay in developmental milestones. This includes mobility (walking); hand function; speech and language; and also personal social development. Children with CP may also experience seizures, sleep problems, constipation and muscle and joint stiffness, which is also known as ‘spasticity’.
What are the different types of motor problems?
The child’s motor and movement problems can help determine the type of CP. CP topographic distribution is divided into:
Monoplegia
Only one arm or leg is affected.
Diplegia
Two limbs—usually the legs—are affected. This is commonly due to premature birth.
Triplegia
Three limbs are affected and commonly involves one hand and both legs.
Hemiplegia
One whole side of the body (either left or right) is affected
Quadriplegia
All four limbs are affected—usually the legs more than the arms. It can even compromise control over facial and swallowing muscles.
What are the treatments available?
Whilst there is currently no cure for CP, there are treatments that may minimize complications related to CP for example treatment for spasticity; seizures; pain; sleep issues; and bowel and bladder problems to help manage the condition, which can greatly improve their quality of life.
CP is a condition that affect beyond physical wellbeing. At Daehan Rehabilitation Hospital Putrajaya, the rehabilitation program adopt holistic approach with our experienced team consists of rehabilitation physicians; physiotherapists; occupational therapists; and speech and language pathologists—all working in tandem to support your child’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs.
Our program focuses on functional and task-specific training to help your child develop their abilities—with the goal of achieving maximum functional ability according to the severity of their condition and appropriate age. Where needed, advanced technology equipment is used to complement our program in ensuring optimal results.
Let’s help children with CP attain their best ability with us!
Article by:
Dr. Aishah Ahmad Fauzi graduated with Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) in 2003 and Master of Rehabilitation Medicine in 2012 from University of Malaya. She had served at University Malaya Medical Center as Rehabilitation Physician and as Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. In 2017, she received a travel fellowship program in by the Korean Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine (KARM), where she gained more expert training in Paediatric Rehabilitation. Dr. Aishah has special interest in neurorehabilitation and spinal cord injury rehabilitation for both adult and children.
ABOUT DAEHAN REHABILITATION HOSPITAL PUTRAJAYA
Daehan Rehabilitation Hospital Putrajaya is a standalone private hospital that offers intensive South Korean’s style integrated rehabilitation services specializing in the management of neurological disorders and illnesses from acute to chronic stages and our expertise lies in the creation of a customized medical hospitality environment that combines both medical and aftercare service to ensure an exceptional experience for all of our clients. Our practices complemented by the latest medical innovations. Located at IOI Resort City, just 5 minutes from Hospital Serdang and less than 15 minutes from Hospital Putrajaya, Daehan with resort-concept facility is strategically situated within the green environment that helps in the journey of recovery.
Daehan Rehabilitation Hospital Putrajaya
Owned by Daehan Rehabilitation Services Sdn. Bhd. [201601022903 (1193842-P]
Block B, Two IOI Square, IOI Resort,
62502 Putrajaya
Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, Malaysia.
+603 8939 0000
www.daehanrehab.com
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This content is provided by Daehan Rehabilitation Hospital
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