Cognitive function deficits in cerebral palsy: A comprehensive review and updates

Cerebral Palsy as known as the Little’s disease is a collective term used to identify a group of non contagious and non progressive neuromotor conditions. According to the intensity of the disorder and the various symptoms Cerebral Palsy is divided into four categories: Spastic cerebral palsy, this type is further divided into three types depending upon the severity of the spasticity-(Hemiplegia, Diplegia and Quadriplegia), Dyskinetic, Ataxic and mixed. Cognition is the ability to perform high level brain functions which involves organization, planning, problem solving, focusing-maintaining and shifting of attention when necessary, understanding and using of language etc. These high level functioning are met in everyday life situations and any impairment or damage in the areas of the brain leads to the loss of these functioning Cognitive impairment is not the primary effect of Cerebral Palsy and may or may not accompany Cerebral palsy although research and Studies have shown that cognitive impairment is said to exist in two thirds of the reported cases, out of which one third of children with cerebral palsy are severely or moderately impaired, while the rest have mild impairment. Cerebral palsy in non progressive disorder but the effects can be held at bay with the help of various aids like surgery, counseling, therapies, medical helps etc, cognitive exercises like Cogmed are also available now to maintain and develop one’s cognitive level. This article aims to do a comprehensive review of the cognitive deficits of cerebral palsy and the researches made to understand the topic.