Cerebral Palsy

Brain Development After Birth

• Brain development continues after birth, even though the basic structure is formed.
• Key processes:
  • Neurogenesis (neuron generation):
    • Neurons are still being generated in the telencephalon (cerebral cortex) until birth.
    • Most neurons in the cerebellum are generated after birth, continuing for several years.
  • Synaptic pruning :
    • The brain creates a vast number of connections between neurons (exuberant connections).
    • Unnecessary connections are eliminated, leaving only the most important ones.
    • This process refines communication within the brain.

Synaptic Pruning and Disorders

• Abnormal synaptic pruning can contribute to neurological disorders:
  • Autism: One theory suggests that autism may involve problems with synaptic pruning.
  • Cerebral Palsy: Another example of a disorder potentially linked to synaptic pruning issues.

Cerebral Palsy

• Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common developmental disorder affecting motor function (roughly 2 in 1,000 children).
• It is caused by damage to the developing brain, but the damage itself doesn’t worsen over time (non-progressive).
• The impact of CP can change throughout life, but the underlying neural changes remain stable.
• CP can manifest in various forms, ranging from mild (almost undetectable) to severe (requiring a wheelchair).
• Intellectual disability is not a necessary feature of CP. Normal

Spastic Cerebral Palsy

• One type of CP, spastic cerebral palsy, is specifically linked to damage in the motor cortex.
• In normal development, a specific type of synaptic pruning occurs in the motor system:
  • Initially, both hemispheres of the brain send signals to the same muscles.
  • Through pruning, only the correct hemisphere (opposite side of the body) remains connected.
• In spastic CP, this pruning doesn’t happen properly.
  • Both hemispheres continue to send signals to the muscles, leading to abnormal muscle activity and movement difficulties.

Spectrum of Severity

• CP can cause a variety of movement issues, such as:
  • Scissoring gait (legs appear crossed while walking) - a common and relatively mild form.
• Despite motor challenges, people with CP can have normal intellectual abilities and live fulfilling lives.

Conclusion

• Brain development is a complex process that continues after birth.
• Synaptic pruning plays a crucial role in refining brain circuits.
• Cerebral palsy is a developmental disorder affecting motor function but doesn’t necessarily impact intelligence.
• There’s a wide spectrum of severity in CP, and people with CP can lead happy and productive lives.