Degrees of Cerebral palsy

1. Degrees of Cerebral palsy

2. Gross Motor Function Classification System • The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) is a method of describing the range of gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy. • The GMFCS describes five 'levels' of motor function, with a particular emphasis on abilities and limitations in the areas of sitting, standing and walking.

3. GMFCS Level I Children walk indoors and climb stairs without limitation. Children perform gross motor skills including running and jumping, but speed, balance, and coordination are impaired

4. GMFCS Level II Children walk indoors and climb stairs holding onto a railing but experience limitations walking on uneven surfaces and inclines and walking in crowds or confined spaces.

5. GMFCS Level III Children walk indoors or outdoors on a level surface with an assistive mobility device. Children may climb stairs holding onto a railing. Children may propel a wheelchair manually or are transported when travelling for long distances or outdoors on uneven terrain.

6. GMFCS Level IV Children may continue to walk for short distances on a walker or rely more on wheeled mobility at home and school and in the community.

7. GMFCS Level V Physical impairment restricts voluntary control of movement and the ability to maintain antigravity head and trunk postures. All areas of motor function are limited. Children have no means of independent mobility and are transported.

8. Will the child’s condition deteriorate? • The answer is 'No'. • The damage done to the brain early in life does not worsen. Sometimes it may seem that the child’s condition is becoming worse. There are many reasons for this apparent deterioration

9. As children grow older, more is expected of them. For a child with cerebral palsy, simple tasks such as learning to dress and eat independently may take a longer time and may be achieved later than usual. This delay in their development might make it seem that deterioration is occurring.

10. 2- As the child grows and uses his muscles more and more, they may become tighter. During growth spurts, the child’s bones may grow more quickly than his muscles, which can lead to a tightening of muscles, and a problem such as toe walking may become more apparent.

11. 3- Any common childhood illness, such as an ear or throat infection, can cause a child’s progress to come to a standstill for a while. 4- Emotional stress. When a child feels he is being 'pushed' to achieve a skill, he may react by becoming stubborn or refusing to cooperate.