12 Labours Seminar Series (Aotearoa Fellowship): Digi mini me - a digital twin for children

Cerebral Palsy is a physical disability that affects movement and posture. It is a term used to describe a group of disorders that hinder a person's ability to move. It is often compared to a baby experiencing a stroke before, during, or after birth. All individuals with Cerebral Palsy have damage to the part of the brain responsible for muscle tone control. As a result, they may have increased or reduced muscle tone, or a combination of both, depending on the location and extent of the brain damage.

There are different classification systems for Cerebral Palsy. One system categorizes it based on the affected area. For example, if only one limb is affected, it is called monoplegia. If one side of the body is affected, it is referred to as hemiplegia. If the lower limbs are primarily affected, it is known as diplegia. And if the entire body is affected, it is called quadriplegia.

Another classification system focuses on the child's gross motor function, or how much they can move. It assesses their ability to run, climb stairs while holding an object, walk with or without assistance, and so on. This system helps determine the level of support a child requires for mobility. It ranges from level one, where the child can walk independently, to level five, where the child is confined to a wheelchair.

It is important to note that every child with Cerebral Palsy will have a unique set of disabilities, depending on the specific location of brain damage. This means that each child will exhibit different symptoms and require tailored treatment approaches.

In addition to Cerebral Palsy, there is another condition called Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis, which primarily affects teenagers and preteens who are still growing.