What is Akash?

Cerebral palsy is the name given to a group of disorder, which affects posture and movement in children. It results from damage to the developing brain. These children have problem in controlling movements. To cater to these children's need AKASH - an SMF initiative - was started on 5fh December 2001. It is a non-profit, community oriented centre for cerebral palsy, organized by the Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation.

The main aim of "Akash" is to give goal oriented multidisciplinary therapy for children with cerebral palsy, under one roof. The team consists of an orthopedic surgeon, pediatric neuro-physiotherapist, special educators, speech therapist and orthotist.

Helpline: (044) - 2628-4256

Assessment clinic

An assessment clinic functions between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm every Saturday where the child will be assessed by the team members and appropriate therapy formulated for that particular child. Regular assessment with regard to the child's performance is done and the parents are counseled. Therapy clinic The physiotherapy centre is well equipped and staffed by qualified special therapists trained to deal with children with cerebral palsy. Therapy includes exercise therapy, speech therapy, prescription of orthotic devices and training activities of daily living. Additional problem which can occur in cerebral palsy such as intellectual disability, epilepsy, bowel and urinary disorders, visual problem, hearing problem will be attended by in-house specialists.

Timings: 9.00 am to 8.00 pm

Contact No: 2616-3549/3550 Extn : 136

Cerebral palsy - fact sheet What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy is the name given to a group of disorders which affect posture and movement. It results from damage to the developing brain - i.e it may occur before during birth, or in the first few years of life. A child with cerebral palsy may have difficulty in controlling voluntary movement, and may make movements, they do not intend (involuntary movement). This is because the part of the brain which controls movement has been damaged or has failed to develop. This initial brain damage is not progressive - i.e., the damage to the brain itself will not worsen as the person gets older. However, because some of the muscle control problems create effects of their own, the effects may increase and skills may be lost.

What causes it?

Two in every 1000 children are born with cerebral palsy or develop it in the first years of life. Often the reason for the damage is unknown. However, there are some known causes. These include lack of oxygen in the baby, either before or after the birth and infections like meningitis and encephalitis. Injury to the infant (either accidental or non-accidental) can also damage the brain. You cannot catch cerebral palsy; it is not contagious. People with cerebral palsy may have other disabilities such as epilepsy, intellectual disability, sight and hearing problems. Cerebral palsy is different for every person.

How do I find out if it's cerebral palsy?

Depending on the location and severity of the damage to the brain, symptoms can differ widely. Some children may show no obvious signs whereas others may be seriously affected from birth. Clues to look for include:

• early eating and drinking difficulties
• slow development
• poor muscle control with floppy of very stiff muscles
• muscle spasms
• lack of co-ordination.

Symptoms

There are three main types of cerebral palsy. They can affect one, two or all the limbs.

• Spasticity: Muscles are characteristically tended and contracted, which affects muscle control. Over time, spasticity can lead to permanent shortening of muscles and deformities as a result of some muscles being permanently tighter others.
• Athetosis: Movements are not uncontrolled and in voluntary as the tone in the muscles fluctuates from stiff to floppy.
• Speech problems: Speech may be hard to understand because of difficulties controlling the tongue, breathing and vocal cords.
• Ataxia: Balance is poor, making walking and fine movements difficult. The person with ataxia is clumsy and walks with feet wider apart than normal. Head movements may be shaky and speech jerky.

Symptoms can be affected by stress, emotion, effort, speech & other factors.

Looking after yourself (caregivers)

Caring for someone with cerebral palsy can be physically demanding . Back injuries can occur in caregivers from helping children to move. It is easy to hurt yourself. A physiotherapist can advise on back care and lifting and transferring techniques if you need them. Look after yourself: Caregivers can be at risk of stress related illness. It is important that you get enough rest, that you eat well and that you get regular exercise. Also spend enough time with your normal child to prevent emotional disturbances. Join a caregivers association or support group. Sharing your experiences with others in the same situation can help a great deal - sometimes with practical advice, more often with understanding.

Events

A National workshop for cerebral palsy was conducted in December 2002. It was an unqualified success.

In order to create more awareness about cerebral palsy, 'Akash" plans to hold yearly workshops / instructional programmes where there will be interaction between doctors, paramedical staff, parents and care providers of those children.