Cerebral Palsy, often abbreviated to CP, is by far the most common of all motor disabilities suffered during childhood. The vast majority of us know that CP is caused by brain damage suffered before, during, or following birth. Largely misunderstood a few decades ago, huge advances have been made in regard to both the diagnosis and treatment of CP. Although incurable, many sufferers are able to lead full and satisfying lives thanks to the help now available. Read on for more Cerebral Palsy facts and information.
- Cerebral Palsy is a spectrum of disorders which can affect the child in a variety of ways. Depending on the extent of the brain damage, their ability to walk, talk, communicate or learn may be compromised.
- More boys than girls suffer from Cerebral Palsy. More black children are affected than white ones. These are known facts but one that still, as yet, has no real explanation and is the subject of several research projects currently in progress.
- The most common type of Cerebral Palsy is spastic CP. This type causes the sufferer to have problems with stiffness which results in their movements being awkward and uncoordinated. It is estimated that this type accounts for around 75-85% of children diagnosed with CP.
- Thanks to developments in both therapy, and the availability of walking aids, more than half of the children who suffer from Cerebral Palsy are able to walk independently, which has an enormous impact on their confidence and quality of life.
- Many of the children who have Cerebral Palsy will also suffer from additional disorders or diseases from the same brain damage which caused their CP. These are called co-occurring conditions and there are way too many to list in full. A couple of examples are the fact that 4/10 children with cerebral Palsy will also suffer from epilepsy, whilst 1/10 will have an autism spectrum disorder.
- Most Cerebral Palsy is classed as Congenital CP meaning that it is related to brain damage that occurred before or during the birth of the child. The following are factors that are known to possibly increase the risks of a child developing Congenital Cerebral Palsy.
- Born prematurely
- Having a low birth weight
- Being a twin or part of a larger multiple birth
- Conception due to IVF or similar technology
- The mother suffering a serious infection during pregnancy
- Kernicterus, a brain damage that can occur when a newborn has jaundice which isn’t treated
- Acquired Cerebral Palsy is one where the brain damage occurs more than 4 weeks after the birth of the infant. This is a lot less common that Congenital CP and causes include brain infections such as meningitis or head injuries. It should be noted that whilst there is more known about CP than ever before, the specific cause of Cerebral Palsy of many children is still unknown.
- Cerebral Palsy is usually diagnosed during the first 12-24 months after birth. However, depending on the severity of the child’s symptoms, and how they present themselves, this diagnosis may not be made until the child is a couple of years later when the likes of developmental delays will be a lot more evident.
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