Cerebral Palsy and CNS Infections in Paediatrics Complete Guide Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment

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Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is cerebral palsy in children?
Cerebral palsy is a group of non progressive disorders of movement and posture caused by injury to the developing brain in the antenatal perinatal or early postnatal period.
❓ What are the most common causes of cerebral palsy?
Common causes include prematurity birth asphyxia intrauterine infections placental insufficiency and postnatal infections like meningitis.
❓ Which type of cerebral palsy is most common?
Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type accounting for about 70 to 80 percent of cases.
❓ What is the earliest sign of cerebral palsy?
Delayed developmental milestones especially delayed motor milestones are usually the earliest sign.
❓ How is cerebral palsy diagnosed?
Diagnosis is mainly clinical supported by MRI brain which helps identify the underlying brain injury.
❓ What is the main treatment for cerebral palsy?
Physiotherapy is the cornerstone of management along with medications like baclofen botulinum toxin and supportive therapies.
❓ What are CNS infections in children?
CNS infections include infections of the brain and meninges such as meningitis encephalitis brain abscess and tubercular meningitis.
❓ What are common causes of meningitis in children?
Common causes include Streptococcus pneumoniae Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae while neonates commonly have Group B Streptococcus and E coli.
❓ What are the classic symptoms of meningitis in children?
Symptoms include fever neck stiffness vomiting altered sensorium and in neonates poor feeding and bulging fontanelle.
❓ How is meningitis diagnosed?
Diagnosis is confirmed by lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid analysis showing characteristic changes in cells protein and glucose.
❓ What is the treatment of bacterial meningitis in children?
Treatment includes intravenous antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or cefotaxime with vancomycin and supportive care.
❓ What is encephalitis and its most common cause?
Encephalitis is inflammation of brain tissue most commonly caused by viruses especially herpes simplex virus.
❓ What is the first line treatment for HSV encephalitis?
Intravenous acyclovir is the first line treatment and should be started immediately.
❓ What is a brain abscess in children?
Brain abscess is a localized collection of pus in the brain usually due to infection from ear sinus or congenital heart disease.
❓ What is the typical imaging finding in brain abscess?
CT or MRI shows a ring enhancing lesion with surrounding edema.
❓ What is tubercular meningitis in children?
It is a chronic form of meningitis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis characterized by gradual onset cranial nerve palsies and hydrocephalus.
❓ What are CSF findings in tubercular meningitis?
CSF shows lymphocytic predominance very high protein and low glucose levels.
❓ What complications can occur in CNS infections?
Complications include seizures hydrocephalus hearing loss cognitive impairment and death if untreated.
❓ What is the role of steroids in meningitis?
Steroids like dexamethasone reduce inflammation and complications especially in bacterial meningitis.
❓ How can CNS infections in children be prevented?
Prevention includes vaccination hygiene early treatment of infections and antenatal care.