Spastic diplegia

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Spastic diplegia
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, scissor gait
Complications	Contracture, scoliosis, hip dislocation
Onset	Infancy
Duration	Lifelong
Types
Causes	Cerebral palsy, premature birth, periventricular leukomalacia
Risks	Premature birth, low birth weight, multiple births
Diagnosis	Clinical assessment, MRI, CT scan
Differential diagnosis	Other forms of cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spinal cord injury
Prevention	Prenatal care, avoiding premature birth
Treatment	Physical therapy, occupational therapy, medications, surgery
Medication	Baclofen, diazepam, botulinum toxin
Prognosis	Varies, generally good with treatment
Frequency	Common in cerebral palsy
Deaths	N/A

Baclofen

Spastic diplegia, also known as Little's Disease, is a form of cerebral palsy that primarily affects the lower body. This condition is characterized by muscle stiffness (spasticity) and coordination problems.

Symptoms

The symptoms of spastic diplegia can vary greatly from person to person. However, some common symptoms include:

• Muscle stiffness in the legs and hips
• Walking on the toes or with a "scissor gait"
• Difficulty with balance and coordination
• Delays in reaching motor skill milestones

Causes

Spastic diplegia is caused by damage to the brain that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. This damage can be due to a variety of factors, including:

• Premature birth
• Lack of oxygen during birth
• Infections during pregnancy
• Genetic factors

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of spastic diplegia is typically made through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan.

Treatment

While there is no cure for spastic diplegia, treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These may include:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Medications to manage spasticity
• Surgery to improve mobility

See also

• Cerebral palsy
• Spasticity
• Premature birth

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