Rolandic Type Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder that affects a region of the brain called the Rolandic cortex. It is characterized by seizures, speech difficulties, and weaknesses on one side of the body. The spelling of Rolandic is pronounced with three syllables, "roh-lan-dik", with the stress on the second syllable. The "d" in "Rolandic" is pronounced as a voiced dental fricative, represented in IPA as [ð]. The pronunciation of "cerebral palsy" is straightforward: "seh-ree-bruhl pahl-see".
Rolandic Type Cerebral Palsy is a specific form of cerebral palsy that primarily affects the muscles in the face and jaw. It is named after the Rolandic region of the brain, which is responsible for controlling movements in these areas of the body.
This type of cerebral palsy is often diagnosed during childhood, typically between the ages of two and seven. It is characterized by involuntary muscle contractions, known as spasms, that occur mainly during sleep. The spasms typically affect the muscles on one side of the face, causing drooling and difficulty with speech and chewing. In some cases, the contractions may also extend to the hand and arm on the same side of the body.
Children with Rolandic Type Cerebral Palsy may also experience other symptoms, such as seizures, learning difficulties, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the severity and combination of symptoms can vary widely among individuals.
The exact cause of Rolandic Type Cerebral Palsy is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to abnormal brain development, possibly resulting from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Treatment for Rolandic Type Cerebral Palsy focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. This may involve therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy. In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to control muscle spasms or seizures.