Question
A newborn shows symptoms such as staring blankly, delayed development, and whole-body spasms, and is diagnosed by a doctor as having spastic cerebral palsy. How should spastic cerebral palsy in children be treated?
Answer
Children with spastic cerebral palsy may experience stiffness in their limbs during movement, which is more pronounced than in normal children, accompanied by hyperactive reflexes and distinct toe walking characteristics. When walking, the affected child may exhibit increased overall muscle tone, with elbows bending and difficulty in extending the upper limbs, while the lower limbs often present a crossed gait, known as a scissors gait. Due to the long-term state of high muscle tension, children are prone to tendon shortening, leading to joint contractures and deformities. For example, Achilles tendon shortening can cause a clubfoot, allowing walking only with the toes on the ground; knee joint flexion contracture can make it difficult to straighten the legs.