CLINICAL AND NEUROLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CEREBRAL PALSY IN CHILDREN

Аннотация

Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common neurological disorders in children, caused by early damage to the central nervous system. It is characterized by motor impairments, as well as psycho-emotional and cognitive disorders. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to studying the clinical and neurological features of CP, which is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment.. Keywords: cerebral palsy, neurological disorders, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation. Main Body: Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive disorder of movement and posture resulting from brain damage during prenatal, perinatal, or early postnatal life. Although the condition itself is not progressive, its manifestations can change over time, influenced by growth and external interventions. CP affects approximately 2–3 children per 1,000 live births globally, with significant variations in clinical presentation and severity. 1. Clinical and Neurological Characteristics CP has several clinical forms, each characterized by specific impairments: • Spastic form – increased muscle tone, movement limitations, hyperreflexia. • Dyskinetic form – involuntary movements, fluctuations in muscle tone. • Ataxic form – coordination disorders, unstable gait. In addition to motor impairments, children with CP often experience speech disorders, intellectual disabilities, epileptic seizures, and emotional-behavioral problems. 2. Diagnosis and Assessment The diagnosis of CP includes: • Neurological examination and patient history analysis. • Instrumental methods: MRI, CT scan of the brain. • Motor function assessment using GMFM-88 and GMFCS scales. Early diagnosis enables timely treatment and reduces the risk of complications. 3. Treatment and Rehabilitation Methods 32 МЕЖДУНАРОДНАЯ КОНФЕРЕНЦИЯ АКАДЕМИЧЕСКИХ НАУК CP treatment is comprehensive and includes: • Medication therapy (muscle relaxants: tizanidine, baclofen; nootropics: pantogam, phenibut). • Physiotherapy to improve motor function. • Speech and psychological therapy to support speech development and social adaptation. Personalized rehabilitation programs significantly improve the quality of life for CP patients. Conclusion. CP is a serious neurological disorder requiring early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Modern therapeutic and rehabilitation methods help improve motor, cognitive, and social skills in children, enhancing their integration into society.