3. Spasticity
Children who are dealing with the effects of cerebral palsy may start to experience involuntary muscle spasms, even if they are not exercising. These spasms can cause severe pain in the affected muscle, resulting in a temporary loss of mobility. This symptom of CP, known as “spasticity,” occurs due to disruption in the signals coming from the cerebellum to the muscular system.
Patients with CP find that the condition typically occurs most frequently in the legs, and they may require regular massage sessions to ensure that the muscles remain limber and supple. However, when spasms strike, they can induce severe pain symptoms for a few minutes, up to a few hours.
According to research from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the condition may have some benefit for CP patients that have weak leg muscles. The spams increase the rigidity of the legs, making it easier to walk for some children. Doctors may treat spasticity with medications to relax the muscular and nervous systems.