PHYSICAL THERAPY IN CEREBRAL PALSY. CLINICAL ASPECTS. CASE REPORT

Abstract

Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive functional disorder affecting the developing central nervous system, predominantly motor neurons, whose onset occurs during pregnancy, delivery or in the perinatal period. The incidence of cerebral palsy ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 per 1,000 live births. Brain damage due to periventricular leukomalacia and intraventricular haemorrhage in newborns is the most common cause of cerebral palsy. This paper presents the clinical picture of a girl with cerebral palsy. The child experienced perinatal hypoxia, which resulted in central nervous system damage and changes in the form of periventricular leukomalacia. Initially, she exhibited considerable axial hypotonia and upper and lower limb hypotonia. Rehabilitation was promptly initiated using a combination of multiple neurological methods, for example Vojta’s method, NDT Bobath therapy and PNF. The rehabilitation produced the desired effects, with the child achieving better motor control with respect to trunk and head stabilisation. She began using orthopaedic aids and undergoing verticalisation at the age of two years. She started experimental stem cell treatment in 2016. Currently her therapy takes place five times a week. The child is able to walk a short distance when she is being held by her arms. She acquires new skills and learns fast and has a wide vocabulary. She is motivated and determined to continue her rehabilitation in order to achieve her dream of walking with a walker by herself. Systematic motor rehabilitation contributed to an improvement in the physical fitness and everyday functioning of the child.