Question
A 40-day-old infant is exhibiting abnormal behavior and developmental delays, and has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy after hospital examination. The family is concerned about the treatment methods and the child’s future, hoping to understand the possibilities of treatment.
Answer
The causes of cerebral palsy are diverse, including genetic and chromosomal disorders, congenital infections, brain malformations or developmental abnormalities, as well as prenatal and perinatal brain injuries. Prenatal factors such as periventricular leukomalacia or basal ganglia damage leading to hypoxia, as well as perinatal factors like brain edema, neonatal shock, intracranial hemorrhage, sepsis, or central nervous system infection, and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, may all be important causes of cerebral palsy in premature infants. Currently, the treatment for cerebral palsy focuses on improving symptoms and enhancing quality of life, but there is no definitive cure. It is recommended that families collaborate with a professional medical team to develop an individualized treatment plan.