MALACAÑANG Palace on March 25, 2004 issued Proclamation No. 588. It declares the period from September 16 to 22, 2004 and every year thereafter as “Cerebral Palsy Awareness and Protection Week.”
Signed by the former President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo, PN 588 is not only a realization of the total development of the sector of [Filipino] persons with disabilities as a state policy enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution but also a reaffirmation of various legislations such as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (RA 7277), the Accessibility Law (B.P. 344) and other executive issuances.
Historically, the adaptation of the “Rights-Based” Principle that had been set forth in the Biwako Millennium Framework for Actions towards an Inclusive Barrier-Free and Rights-Based Society for Persons with Disabilities as mandated by the United Nations- Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP), provided impetus for the conception of PN 588.
In conformity to UN-ESCAP, the prior PN 240, which was dated August 21, 2002, had been issued to declare the period from Year 2003 to the Year 2012 as the “Philippine decade of Persons with Disability.”
Public health experts and medical sociologists alike believed that causes of disabilities can be prevented, and, in cases when such disabilities existed, early detection and prompt appropriate interventions can be performed by raising the state of awareness and concerns of the public.
Likewise, PN 588 promotes the active and meaningful participation in all levels of policy-making, planning, monitoring and evaluation of the equitable opportunities for persons with disability.
Among the several legally recognized disabilities in the country that are supported by various executive issuances and proclamations, which are not limited to: White Cane Safety Day (August 1), Visually Impaired, the Down Syndrome Consciousness (February) and Deaf Awareness Week (November); Cerebral Palsy is by and far, a disability worth consciousness-raising not only to dispel myths but also for economic progress through the provision of a healthy community at the micro level and a healthy nation at the macro level.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
The word “Cerebral” actually refers to the brain while “Palsy” pertains to muscle weakness or poor control. Cerebral Palsy (CP) describes a problem with movement and posture that makes certain activities difficult. But one must not be mistaken that this condition involves the muscles and nerves but rather it involves certain areas of the brain that govern locomotion or movements and posture. In this respect, CP may have been either due to injury to the brain or developmental delay.
To date, there is no cure for CP but there is a wide range of available therapies.
What causes Cerebral Palsy?
Prenatal causes (infection during fetal life or injuries during the crucial stage of brain development of the unborn child) account for 70 percent of CP cases.
Brain injury to the child during birthing process accounts for 20 percent.
Acquired CP (occurs during first few months after birth) accounts for 10 percent. Some examples include bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis, head injury, motor vehicular accident, fall or child abuse.
What are the risk factors for Cerebral Palsy?
Premature birth
u2022 Low birth weight
u2022 Blood clotting problems
u2022 Inability of the placenta to provide the developing fetus with oxygen and nutrients
u2022 RH or A-B-O blood type incompatibility between mother and infant
u2022 Infection of the mother with German measles or other viral diseases in early pregnancy
u2022 Bacterial infection of the mother, fetus or infant that directly or indirectly attack the infant's central nervous system
u2022 Prolonged loss of oxygen during the birthing process
u2022 Severe jaundice shortly after birth
rWhat are the types of Cerebral Palsy?
Traditionally, doctors classify CP into:
(1) Physiological Grouping as in Spasticity (velocity-dependent increased muscle tone, determined by passively flexing and extending muscle groups across a joint); Dyskinesia (abnormal motor movements that become obvious when the patient initiates a movement); Ataxia (disturbance of the coordination of voluntary movements) or mixed group.
(2) Anatomic Grouping as in Diplegia (involvement primarily of legs); Quadriplegia (dysfunction of four extremities); Hemiplegia (one-sided motor/ movement dysfunction)
(3) Functional Classifications as in Clumsy Child; Walks independently; Uses assistive mobility devices; Severely Limited; and no Self-Mobility.
It must be noted, however, that these classifications are used by the medical professionals for communication purposes that facilitate management of the child with CP.
What are the tests doctors do to diagnose Cerebral Palsy?
After obtaining meticulous assessment data from the patient, doctors usually look for the most common symptoms such as slow development, abnormal muscle tone and unusual posture.
Depending on the case at hand and the prudent judgement of medical doctor, the latter may order tests like MRI scan; cranial ultrasound and CT scan.
What are the management for Cerebral Palsy?
Children with CP receive rehabilitation as there is no cure for the said condition. Rehabilitation aims to develop maximum physical, social and vocational function in a diseased or injured person.
In general, its goals are to: improve mobility, prevent deformity, educate the parents and caregivers teach daily life/living skills, social integration.
Components of the rehabilitation program include: physical therapy, occupational therapy, bracing, assistive devices, adaptive technology, sports and recreation, environment modification.
What are the common health problems associated with CP? Drooling causing skin irritations that could deface the child’s appearance; Poor nutrition due to chewing difficulties; Bladder dysfunction causing bed wetting; Constipation; Premature puberty; Hip pain ( most common)
(Sources: Philippine Official Gazette; Introduction to Cerebral Palsy; The H-E-L-P Guide to Cerebral Palsy.)
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