HISTORY OF CEREBRAL PALSY

The history of cerebral palsy dates back to 1860. Cerebral Palsy was earlier known as Cerebral Paralysis and was identified by William Little, an English surgeon in 1860. William Little doubted asphyxia during birth as the main reason of this disorder. It was not until 1897 when Sigmund Freud, a neurologist stated that difficult birth was not the cause but symptom of other effects on fetal development. It was only during 1980s that a research carried out by National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke stated that just a small number of cases of cerebral palsy was caused as a result of lack of oxygen during birth.

Recently three new therapies have been developed successful in treatment of symptoms of cerebral palsy. Here Botox gets injected into certain muscle groups which lead to increased range of motion and stretching of the limbs. Also a latest surgery by the name of selective dorsal rhizotomy is being carried out which reduces spasticity permanently in muscle groups, mainly legs.