Monoplegia is a rare form of Cerebral Palsy that only
effects one limb. Much of the caregiving advice that
can be given for hemiplegia can also be given for Monoplegia.
Like Hemiplegia, care
for a Monoplegia is not much different than care for
a child without Cerebral Palsy. Monoplegia in reality
is usually Hemiplegia that extremely mild and only affects
one limb. The term should be reserved for difficulties
caused in one limb by brain injury and not by nerve
injuries such as brachial plexus palsy.1
Encouraging the use of the involved arm or leg, such
as giving your child a big toy that requires both hands
to operate with, can stimulate and improve to some degree
the use of the involved limb. Although monoplegia is
a mild form of CP, realistic expectations of a child's
abilities are important. Therapy is recommended and
can help the child use the full potential of the limb,
but a child who cannot operate his fingers may never
be able to operate them or achieve full dexterity with
them.
Please see the Hemiplegia
page for more information that can be applied to care
of a monopolegic child.
1. 1995. Miller, Freeman, and
Bachrach, Steven J. Cerebral Palsy: A Complete Guide
for Caregiving. Johns Hopkins University Press,
Baltimore, Maryland. p. 394
