subject: What Is Cerebral Palsy? [print this page] Author: Nick Roggers Author: Nick Roggers
Cerebral palsy affects thousands of children each year. Cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders that have an affect on a person's coordination and ability to move. Cerebral palsy may make daily living tasks for those afflicted with the disorder. There are three types of cerebral palsy that can affect children. Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common form of the disorder. Up to 80% of all children who have cerebral palsy are diagnosed as having spastic cerebral palsy. Spastic cerebral palsy is divided into different classifications based on the region of the area that is affected by the disorder. Spastic hemiplegia affects one side of the body. Spastic diplegia affects the knees and hips causing a scissor-like gait. Spastic tetraplegia affects all four limbs, and may make it difficult for children to walk. Athetoid cerebral palsy causes a child to have trouble standing upright in a steady position. Children with athetoid cerebral palsy may also have involuntary motions or contractions. Athetoid cerebral palsy may also make it difficult to hold objects such as a comb or pen. Ataxic cerebral palsy is the least common form of the disorder. Ataxic cerebral palsy is characterized by tremors and muscle weakness. Children with ataxic cerebral palsy may have difficulty standing, walking, or doing things that require fine motor skills. Some children with ataxic cerebral palsy may have trouble hearing or seeing. Cerebral palsy can be the result of many factors. Cerebral palsy could be the result of a lack of oxygen during birth, trauma during labor and delivery, or infection. Children that are the product of multiple births are more commonly afflicted with cerebral palsy. Although there is no cure for cerebral palsy, there is therapy available that can help children to function with the disorder. Children that receive therapy at an early age are more likely to be able to accomplish daily living skills without assistance than those who do not have the benefit of early therapy. Therapy can include speech therapy, physical therapy, and the use of medications to control the symptoms of the disorder. Your child's doctor will decide the best course of treatment for your child. About the Author:
A top national Athetoid cerebral palsy, birth injury and medical malpractice law firm. Nationally renowned for getting record-breaking settlements & verdicts for their clients across the United States.
