What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a brain-based disorder that usually is the result of a brain injury, usually during birth although it can happen after birth, such as from child abuse. The damage to brain causes the person to lose his or her ability to control muscles.
These are the most common types of cerebral palsy:
- Spastic: this is the stiff movements of muscle in the body
- Ataxic: loss of depth perception and balance
- Athetoid/Dyskinetic: these are the uncontrolled muscle movements
- Mixed: any combination of two or more of the above types.
There are many treatment options available from traditional physical therapy to surgeries and unconventional approaches. There are currently many trials being conducted that include all options so that the most effective treatment options are known.
Cerebral Palsy, like many developmental disabilities run a gamut of severity. Each child’s abilities are different. Prognosis improves with early intervention. Not all children with Cerebral Palsy have detrimental disabilities.
For instance, a reader of this column has both Cerebral Palsy and Asperger’s syndrome. He works part-time and travels with his parents frequently, enjoying the summer months. He has many friends and lives an active life, with some support devices.
The symptoms of Cerebral Palsy are usually seen before the age of 3, allowing plenty of time for intervention and unlocking a child’s potential. This is a non-progressive disorder, meaning it will not get worse over time but with treatment, the symptoms can be improved.
The treatment options available should be tailored, through the child’s team of doctors and caregivers, to meet that child’s specific needs. It should be as individual as the child him or herself. The treatments can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, vision correction, and medical therapy for seizures, gastrointestinal issues, breathing problems and educational support services, as they are the most co-occurring issues with Cerebral Palsy.
Please share your thoughts in comments below. Don’t forget to “subscribe to email” (above) for updates to this column. Your email address will not be shared.
Comments
What is the rate of CP to the birth rate? Has it been going up or down?
Gollum, thank you for reading and commenting.
According to the New England Journal of Medicine "Although the frequency of cerebral palsy has not declined, and although there are relatively few specific, modifiable risk factors for cerebral palsy, attention to some factors that are associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy might help to prevent its development."
It seems that is neither going up or going down-from the latest research I can find on it. This also depends on WHERE you look. In underdeveloped countries, the risk is 1/5th to 1/4th higher than in a country of say, United States, just because of the preterm birth rate is higher, not to mention other factors relating to preterm health.
I hope this answers your question
Heather E. Sedlock
Heather E. Sedlock-
Thank you.
Perhaps the use use of fertility drugs by some women might be such a factor. I believe they result in an increase in multiple-births including triplets, quadruplets, etc. I believe the multiple-births result in babies with low birth weight, which is a risk factor for CP.
Perhaps something could be done to "dilute" the fertility drug.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!