Cerebral Palsy History

Historical Perspective of cerebral palsy

Cases of cerebral palsy heve been mentioned throughout recorded history. Cerebral palsy history was not until 1843 that William John Little of England ( 1810 – 1894 ) first discussed what he called infantile spastic paralysis this became known as little ‘s disease. In 1862 little presented an accurate paper on the etiological factors of cerebral palsy. This described the problem as one resulting from prenatal, natal, and immediate postnatal influences.

The cerebral palsy history for many years cerebral palsy was treated from a surgical perspective that was treated from a surgical perspective that was based upon surgeons experiences in treating poliomyelitis. The enthusiasm for surgical intervenstion to correct deformities, to provide stability, and to improve motor control waned as assessment showed that deformities recurred or new ones developed.

In 1932, Winthrop M. Phelps began developing a new approach . Phelps became aware of the necessity for including exercise, muscle training, and bracing in the treatment of cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy history since Phelps’ era, various nonsurgical approaches have evolved, emphasizing neuromuscular training. They include neuromuscular reflex therapy ( Fay and Doman ) neurodevelopment treatment ( Bobath ) neurophysiological approach ( Rood )  proprioseptive neuromuscular facilitation ( Kabat, knott and Voss ) and Sensory integration.

In era modern cerebral palsy history, obstetrical and neonatal care, together with the practice of referring at risk infants for treatment before they are 1 years old, may lessen the number of severe disorders, the children who may be less severely involved as a result will hopefully be able to lead relatively normal and productive lives.