For anybody who receives a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, the world has now just become a too scarier place. It leads to tons of questions of how and why this happened and what do I do next. Often the damage this disease causes is before birth and can affect the development of the brain. With over 200,000 new cases per year in the United States, this relatively common disorder does not have a cure, unfortunately. Let us at HPFY give you some information to help you deal with cerebral palsy.
I’m sure you have heard of cerebral palsy, but do we actually understand what it is? Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, and even your posture. Damage that occurs during the development of an immature brain causes this disorder, mainly before birth. The effects of cerebral palsy often begin during infancy or even preschool years. The symptoms and signs of cerebral palsy can vary from patient to patient. Some examples of symptoms are:
These are not all the possible symptoms of cerebral palsy. Motor skill development may be delayed and those with cerebral palsy can have difficulty swallowing or an eye muscle imbalance. Cerebral palsy can also cause mental disabilities. The effect of This disorder on patients can vary. For example, some with cerebral palsy can walk while others require assistance, such as a wheelchair. The cause of cerebral palsy stems from an abnormality/disruption in brain development and in many cases may not be known, but five factors are:
During pregnancy, the risk of cerebral palsy can be increased due to a number of factors. Issues such as measles, herpes, bacterial meningitis, and even viral encephalitis can increase the chance of cerebral palsy.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for cerebral palsy, so treatments are based on helping manage this condition. Often those who suffer from CP require long-term medical care with a team of doctors that can include a physiatrist, neurologists, and therapists. There can even be a need for mental health specialists in order to treat cerebral palsy properly. Courses of action that your doctor may prescribe can include, but are not be limited to:
Some severe cases of cerebral palsy may require surgery. Orthopedic surgery and dorsal rhizotomy are both procedures that can help with severe physical deformities and muscle spasticity and pain. Physical therapists may recommend medical aids such as braces, crutches, or even wheelchairs after analyzing your child’s condition.
Cerebral palsy is a lifetime battle and can take its toll on a family. It is important to be your child’s advocate so understanding the facts is important. Ask your doctor or therapist anything that comes to mind, there are no stupid questions!! Seek out support groups for not only your own mental well-being but for the wealth of information you may need.
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
Kevin Cleary has been a Health Products For You contributor for many years and has a degree in marketing. His health and wellness journey has a very personal meaning and has guided him in his content writing for HPFY.
In 2006, ...
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