Что такое ДЦП ?
Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a group of chronic
conditions affecting body movement and muscle coordination. It is
caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain,
usually occurring during fetal development; before, during or
shortly following birth; or during infancy. "Cerebral"
refers to the brain and "palsy" to muscle weakness/poor
control. Cerebral palsy itself is not progressive (i.e., it does
not get worse); however, secondary conditions can develop which
may get better over time, get worse, or remain the same. Cerebral
palsy is not communicable. It is not a disease and should never
be referred to as such. Although cerebral palsy is not
"curable" in the accepted sense, training and therapy
can help improve function.
Как проявляется ДЦП?
Cerebral palsy is characterized by an inability to fully control
motor function, particularly muscle control and coordination.
Depending on which areas of the brain have been damaged, one or
more of the following may occur: muscle tightness or spasm;
involuntary movement; disturbance in gait and mobility. In
addition, the following may also occur: abnormal sensation and
perception; impairment of sight, hearing or speech; seizures; and
mental retardation. Other problems that may arise are
difficulties in feeding, bladder and bowel control, problems with
breathing because of postural difficulties, skin disorders
because of pressure sores, and learning disabilities.
Что является причиной ДЦП?
A large number of factors which can injure the developing brain
may produce cerebral palsy. One important cause is an
insufficient amount of oxygen reaching the fetal or newborn
brain. Oxygen supply can be interrupted by premature separation
of the placenta from the wall of the uterus, awkward birth
position of the baby, labor that is too long or too abrupt, or
interference with circulation in the umbilical cord. Premature
birth, low birth weight, RH or A-B-O blood type incompatibility
between mother and infant, infection of the mother with German
measles or other virus diseases in early pregnancy, and
microorganisms that attack the infant's central nervous system
also are risk factors for cerebral palsy. Most causes of cerebral
palsy are related to the developmental and childbearing processes
and, since the condition is not inherited, the condition is often
called congenital cerebral palsy. A less common type is acquired
cerebral palsy, usually occurring before two years of age. Head
injury is the most frequent cause, usually the result of motor
vehicle accidents, falls, or child abuse; another cause is brain
infection.
Существуют ли разные виды ДЦП?
There are three main types: spastic -- stiff and difficult
movement; athetoid -- involuntary and uncontrolled movement;
ataxic -- disturbed sense of balance and depth perception. There
may be a mixture of these types for any individual. Other types
do occur, although infrequently.
Как много людей страдает от ДЦП?
It is estimated that some 500,000 children and adults in the
United States manifest one or more of the symptoms of cerebral
palsy. Currently about 5,000 babies and infants are diagnosed
with the condition each year. In addition, some 1,200 - 1,500
preschool age children annually are recognized to have cerebral
palsy.
Можно ли предупредить возникновение ДЦП?
Yes. Measures of prevention are increasingly possible today.
Pregnant women are tested routinely for the Rh factor and, if Rh
negative, they can be immunized within 72 hours after the birth
(or after the pregnancy terminates) and thereby prevent adverse
consequences of blood incompatibility in a subsequent pregnancy.
If the woman has not been immunized, the consequences of blood
incompatibility in the newborn can be prevented by exchange
transfusion in the baby. If a newborn baby has jaundice, this can
be treated by phototherapy in the hospital nursery. Other
preventive programs are directed toward the prevention of
prematurity; reducing exposure of pregnant women to virus and
other infections; unnecessary exposure to X-rays, drugs and
medications; and the control of diabetes, anemia and other
nutritional deficiencies. Of great importance are optimal well
being prior to conception, adequate prenatal care, and protecting
infants from accidents or injury.
Излечим ли ДЦП полностью?
"Management" is a better word than
"treatment." Management consists of helping the child
achieve maximum potential in growth and development. This should
be started as early as possible with identification of the very
young child who may have a developmental disorder. A management
program can then be started promptly to include attention to the
child's movement, learning, speech, hearing, and social and
emotional development. In these programs, physicians, therapists,
educators, nurses, social workers, and other professionals assist
the family as well as the child. Certain medications, surgery,
and braces may be used to improve nerve and muscle coordination
and prevent dysfunction.
As individuals mature, they may require support services such as
personal assistance services, continuing therapy, educational and
vocational training, independent living services, counseling,
transportation, recreation/leisure programs, and employment
opportunities, all essential to the developing adult. People with
cerebral palsy can go to school, have jobs, get married, raise
families, and live in homes of their own. Most of all, people
with cerebral palsy need the opportunity for independence and
full inclusion in our society.
Проводятся ли исследования в области ДЦП?
Yes. Active national programs of research are being vigorously
pursued to prevent cerebral palsy and to improve the quality of
life for persons with cerebral palsy. The two organizations with
major research programs are the United Cerebral Palsy Research
and Educational Foundation in the private sector and the National
Institutes of Health in the government sector.
