As a parent of a child with cerebral palsy (CP), you’ll likely have a lot of questions and concerns. However, it may be difficult to tell the difference between reality and fiction while searching for information. Learning the truth about cerebral palsy will assist you in helping your loved one. You may look for Kid-Friendly chronic illness learning resources that you and your child can read.

Here are eight scientifically validated facts concerning cerebral palsy.

It is the most common kind of motor impairment in children

Cerebral palsy is the most prevalent motor impairment among children. It affects more than 17 million individuals all over the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cerebral palsy affects between 1.5 and four out of every 1,000 live births. Today, one out of every 323 children has cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is more common in men than in women, according to studies. It also affects black children more than white or Hispanic children. If you’re having trouble choosing a cerebral palsy lawyer to help you receive medical aid as well. You can visit our site.

Movement, Muscle Tone, and Posture are all affected by CP

Cerebral refers to the brain, while palsy refers to muscular weakness or other muscle issues. Muscle control, growth, and strength are all affected by cerebral palsy. It can result in a variety of symptoms, including:

• Spasticity is a term used to describe a person (muscle stiffness)
• Muscle motions that are uncontrollable
• Uneven balance
• Coordination issues
• Sluggish motions
• Talking or swallowing difficulties
• Hearing or vision problems
• Having difficulty focusing

CP symptoms differ from individual to person. Motor limitations can range from minor to severe. Although more than half of children with CP (58.2 percent ) can walk on their own, some may require wheelchairs or support aids to walk. Many children (41 percent) have epilepsy in addition to cerebral palsy, and others have other disabilities. Investing in wheelchair ramps for home is beneficial to enhance accessibility and accommodate those with mobility challenges.

Mental Abilities Aren’t Always Affected by CP

It’s usual for people to quickly link cerebral palsy to cognitive or mental impairments. This isn’t always the case, though. In reality, the majority of CP patients have IQs that are above normal. Cerebral palsy is a distinct condition from mental illness. If a kid with cerebral palsy has cognitive problems, it is due to a co-occurring disorder rather than the cerebral palsy itself.

Cerebral Palsy Comes in a Variety of Forms

The majority of children with cerebral palsy (70 to 80 percent ) have spastic cerebral palsy, which causes muscles to stiffen and become difficult to control. Spastic CP is caused by damage to the motor cortex in the brain. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy affects around 6% of people, causing uncontrollable muscle movements. This kind of CP is caused by damage to the basal ganglia. Another 6% of people with CP suffer from ataxic CP, which is marked by unstable movements and poor balance. Damage to the cerebellum causes ataxic cerebral palsy. Mixed type cerebral injury, which can result from a combination of brain damage, affects the remaining proportion of persons.

Congenital Cerebral Palsy accounts for 85 to 90 percent of Cerebral Palsy Cases

The bulk of cerebral palsy instances (between 85% and 90%) are congenital. This suggests that the CP has been present since birth. Cases of congenital CP occur before or during birth, rather than thereafter. Although physicians aren’t always sure what causes cerebral palsy in children, injury to the brain before or during birth can play a role.

The remaining occurrences of cerebral palsy are caused by brain injury that occurs more than 28 days after birth. This is known as acquired CP, and it is caused by a brain injury or a major illness. Cerebral palsy is not a hereditary disease. A person with CP can conceive, have a normal pregnancy, and give birth to a child who is not affected by the disease.

CP Can be Caused by Abnormal Brain Development or Brain Damage

A disruption in normal brain development before or during birth is the most prevalent cause of cerebral palsy. Any irregular brain development or injury to the brain at a young age can have a long-term impact on a child’s muscle growth and control. Malformations of the brain can arise spontaneously or as a result of risk factors like maternal illnesses or brain damage after a difficult birth. For example, brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen might result in cerebral palsy.

The Majority of Cases Become Apparent Within the First Year

Cerebral palsy can be detected in the first 12 to 18 months of a child’s life, save in the mildest cases. A kid who fails to meet developmental milestones such as sitting or walking may have cerebral palsy. Stiff muscles, a floppy torso, or an overextended back and neck in a baby six months or younger might indicate CP. CP symptoms include difficulty putting hands together, bringing hands to mouth, and crawling in a lopsided manner in older babies. Early detection is critical for effective intervention and therapy.

Although CP is Incurable, There are Treatments Available

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disorder for which there is no known treatment. It is, however, unchanging, implying that a child’s condition would not deteriorate or worsen with time. Treatments for CP are available to assist people with the condition to live better lives. Some of the most frequent treatments for cerebral palsy include surgeries, drugs, and a variety of pediatric therapy.

A kid with cerebral palsy may benefit from Physical and Speech Therapy Sessions to enhance motor skills and communication. Occupational therapy can aid in the development and quality of life of children. For someone with cerebral palsy, a doctor will design a specific treatment plan that includes a variety of intervention services. You can also visit https://functionalspeechtherapy.com/consultations/ if you need a therapist who will work with you one-on-one to target areas of need and concern.