subject: Common Questions About Cerebral Palsy Disorders: Symptoms, Treatments, And More [print this page] What is Cerebral Palsy? What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy, also known as CP, is a condition caused by permanent brain injury. Cerebral palsy is the result of any one of the large group of neurological disorders that can happen during pregnancy or in the first few years of life. Cerebral palsy symptoms include tight or weak muscles, lack of movement, variations in muscle tone, tremors, and difficulty in swallowing or speaking.
How Many People are Affected with Cerebral Palsy?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) the rates of cerebral palsy are rising. Cerebral palsy is said to affect 1 in every 278 children within the United States. This rate is higher than children affected with vision or hearing loss, fetal alcohol syndrome, childhood cancer, and spina bifida. The CDC also states that since the 1970s the rates of cerebral palsy have nearly doubled.
Who is at Risk for Cerebral Palsy?
There are several risk factors of cerebral palsy. These risk factors include premature births, low birth weights, multiple births, breech births, and the health of the mother before and during pregnancy.
What does Cerebral Palsy look like?
Most children who are affected with cerebral palsy are diagnosed by the time they are three. Severe cases are usually diagnosed much earlier on in life. Some children with cerebral palsy have speech delays, trouble eating, and stiff or limp muscles that cause problems walking. Additional complications can include hearing problems, vision problems, and seizures.
Are there other Complications from Cerebral Palsy?
Because many children with cerebral palsy have trouble swallowing and eating, one complication of cerebral palsy is malnutrition. It is difficult for the child to get the nutrition they need and it is especially difficult in infants. Another complication would be contractures. Contractures is a condition that happens when the child's muscles are pulled so tightly that it causes the limbs to curl inward. Dislocations and deformities can happen as a result of contractures.
Is there a Cure for Cerebral Palsy?
There is no cure for cerebral palsy although there are several treatments available. Treatments can include physical therapy, adaptive equipment, and massage therapy. While these are not cures for cerebral palsy these treatments can help manage the symptoms and assist the patient with cerebral palsy live a near-normal life.
