My child has Cerebral Palsy what is its future ?

This question gives goose bumps to parents when they think about it.

When the doc breaks the news to parents that their child has Cerebral Palsy the parents are shaken and they really don’t know what to do. This is one in every 800 child births. Parents ask why me ? but there is no answer. They can be bankers, lawyers, professionals even doctors (both husband and wife) and even surgeons.

Many pediatricians cannot identify CP within 1st few months. My daughters MD Pediatrician told us when the child was of 8 months.

Cerebral Palsy is not something new. It has existed in past but proper treatments have arrived in past 1 decade only.

There is a confusion amongst parents because of anxity and limited resources to explain how it has to be managed so Quaks are still having a field day with exhorbitantly expensive medications, Tall claims which MIGHT get fulfilled after 6-8 years (till then the parent will be bankrupt). There are surgeons who push for surgery and what not.

Why not ask parents who have experienced it first hand… thats were this website comes in and fills the gap.

We have identified many parents who’s CP children are now 18-20 years old and collecting their biography so other parents can learn from it.

If you are a parent of a CP child please email to hope @ cerebralpalsy.org.in (remove the spaces) we shall send you a questionare and reply to it in your free time to share your experiences with other parents.

thanks

Dharmanath

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A Population-Based Analysis of Behavior Problems in Children with Cerebral Palsy
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Used the National Health Interview Survey, Child Health Supplement for 1981 and 1988, to analyze parent-reported behavior problems of children, ages 4–17 years, with cerebral palsy (n = 47), with mental retardation (n = 50), with other chronic conditions (n = 6,038), and with no known health problem (n = 5,930), using the Behavior Problem Index (developed by Zill & Peterson). Behaviors with scores greater than the 90th percentile of the entire sample were considered problem behaviors. Parent-reported behavior problems were 5 times more likely in children with cerebral palsy (25.5%) compared with children having no known health problem (5.4%). The adjusted odds ratio for behavior problems of children with cerebral palsy without mental retardation was 4.9 and of children with mental retardation without cerebral palsy was 7.9. Specific behaviors that were most problematic for children with cerebral palsy were identified as dependency, headstrong, and hyperactive.

Authors 

1. Suzanne McDermott,
2. Ann L. Coker,
3. Subramani Mani,
4. Shanthi Krishnaswami,
5. Richard J. Nagle,
6. Laura L. Barnett-Queen and
7. Donald F. Wuori

- Author Affiliations

1. 
   
   University of South Carolina

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CEREBRAL PALSY
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It is a non progressive neuromuscular disorder causing mild to severe disabilities throughout life.This condition is manifested as a group of persisting qualitative motor disorders which appear in young children due to damage to the brain during delivery or due to some pathological conditions in the intrauterine life.The neuroligical problems are multiple but non progressive in nature.Approximately 2 per 100 live birth is having this problem.This disease is having no hereditary tendency.

Causes of cerebral palsy:

1) Injury to the brain during delivery.

2) As a complication of forceps delivery.

3) Lack of oxygen supply to the baby during delivery.

4) Infections during delivery.

Signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy:–

The signs and symptoms may not be similar in all babies affected.Depending upon the damage to the brain there may be mild to severe lesions.

Mild cases:- 20% children will have mild disability.

Moderate cases:-50% cases are having moderate disability.The affected children require self help for assisting their impaired ambulation capacity.

Severe cases:-About 30% of the affected children are totally incapacited and bedridden and they allways need care from others.

Abnormal findings in cerebral palsy:-

1,Abnormal neonatal reflexes.

2,Stiffness of all muscles with awkward motion.
3,Extention of extremities on vertical suspension of the infant.

4,Scissoring of the lower limbs due to spasm of the adductor muscles of the thigh.

5,In severe cases the back bend backwards like and arch.

6,May have total or partial paralysis.

7,Arrest of neurological and behavioral developement.

8,Swallowing may be difficult in some cases.

9,Drooling of saliva.

10,Mild to severe mental retardations.

11,Abnormal movements are seen in some cases.

12,Tremors with typical movements.

13,If cerebellum is affected there will be loss of muscle tone with difficulty in walking.

14,Complete or partial loss of hearing.

15,Speech may be affected.

16,Squint and other visual problems may be associated.

17,Convulsions may be seen in some children.

Cerebral palsy is diagnosed by detailed clinical examination and by eliminating other similar diseases like brain tumour, progressive atrophy ect.All investigations like CT scan,MRI and routine investigations are needed to ruleout other diseases.

Management of carebral palsy:–

General management:

This includes proper nutrition and personal care.  Symptomatic medicines are needed to reduce convulsions and muscle stiffness.  Diazepam can reduce spasticity and athetosis.
Dantrolene sodium helps to relax skeletal muscles.

Physiotherapy:

Here massage,exercise, hydrotherapy and ect are needed.Special training is given to train walking,swallowing and talking.The affected children are also trained to hold articles for routine activities.

Rehabilitation:

Moral and social support should be given to these children.They should be send to special schools where special training can be given by trained staff.Mentally retarded children need special training.Depending up on the disabitity special instruments and machines are given for locomotion and to assist their daytoday activities.

Occupational therapy:

This is given by occupational therapists.They train the disabled people to do some suitable works so that these people can have their own income.

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What is Cerebral Palsy? 
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Cerebral palsy is generally a term that refers to a group of long-term or permanent disorders, which appear immediately during the first several years of a child’s life. It is a condition that hampers and affects the affected child’s ability to appropriately coordinate normal body movements. This happens because the muscles tend to be weaker, floppy, stiff, and rigid.

In the United States and across continental Europe, it is estimated that cerebral palsy is occurring in two to four newly born babies out of 1,000. All around the globe, the inborn condition is affecting thousands of infants annually. An analysis of the etymology of the word would lead one to easily infer that cerebral palsy is affecting the brain in general. The word ‘cerebral’ is referring to cerebrum, the affected brain area, while ‘palsy’ connotes movement disorder.

Many studies have tried to explain the root cause of the condition. It was initially found that cerebral palsy is brought about by damages to the developing brain’s motor control centers. These damages may have been incurred during pregnancy or during actual childbirth. In some instances, cerebral palsy develops long after birth or up until the infant reaches the age of three.

Contrary to what many people believe, cerebral palsy is not in any way contagious. Thus, the condition is non-communicable and could not be passed on from a patient to another person. It is just okay to be dealing with and interacting with children with cerebral palsy. The sad news is that the condition has always been curable, though modern medicine is continuously looking for possible cures and treatments. However, in many instances, an appropriate physical therapy into a child could spell a really huge difference.

Motor disorders related to cerebral palsy are accompanied more often by disturbances in perception, sensation, communication, behavior, and cognition. As mentioned, there is no cure, but there are usual medical interventions, which are limited to prevention and treatment of possible complications. There are also findings or studies that show that improvements and progress in neonatal nursing could possibly help lower the number of infants who are born with the condition.

There are three major categories or classifications of cerebral palsy, namely, spastic, ataxic, and athetoid or dyskinetic. Spastic is the most common type of cerebral palsy. It occurs in about 80% of reported cases. Patients exhibit neuromuscular conditions that stem from damages to the motor cortex, which in turn influences the brain’s ability to cognate.

Ataxic cerebral palsy is the type that is linked to possible damages to the cerebellum. It occurs less frequently, accounting for only about 10% of reported cerebral palsy cases. Patients exhibit tremors and hypotonia. Their skills in typing, writing, and using scissors are affected, along with physical balance while walking. Athetoid or dyskinetic type of cerebral palsy is rare. Patients often show signs of involuntary movements. They find it hard to keep still in a position and hold objects.

Once an infant is diagnosed to have cerebral palsy, there is an automatic need for further optional diagnostic tests. It is also interesting to note that male infants are more likely to have cerebral palsy than females. Specific advances and improvements in care of expecting mothers have been found not to help decrease or eliminate occurrence of cerebral palsy.

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Understanding Cerebral Palsy 
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Cerebral Palsy is an abnormality of motor function and abilities.  The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) describes cerebral palsy as a neurological disorder that is already apparent during the infant or early childhood stage of an individual.  Its effects are permanent, but they do not progress over time. 

As a neurological disease, its main problem will be in the muscles and nerves, the part of the brain where muscle control is the part deeply affected.  Even though there are some children already born with the illness, it may not be evident or obvious on the early stages of the child’s life.  But it becomes apparent at the age of two or when it reaches three years old.

The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, estimates about 10,000 babies each year that will develop cerebral palsy.  The United States Cerebral Palsy estimates that about 800,000 people in the United States have cerebral palsy.  About 25 percent of those who have cerebral palsy also have mental retardation. 

There are different ways on how doctors are able to diagnose cerebral palsy even if the child is just a few months old.  There are different symptoms that a baby with brain damage or problem may exhibit like lack of alertness, irritability, a high-pitched and abnormal cry, trembling in limbs and arms, seizures, body twitching and abnormal reflexes. 

Muscle tone and the posture can also show signs if the child has cerebral palsy.  If the child, for example, is favoring one side of the body, then it could be a sign.  But not a too conclusive symptom, other symptoms would include gradual changes on the muscle tone, from being flaccid to being stiff.

As the child grows older, the signs become more and more evident.  It can already be seen that his motor movements are slower than other children of the same age. They are significantly slower in reaching different developmental milestones like rolling over, crawling, sitting, and others.

Diagnosing cerebral palsy is not something that doctors could do overnight.  Why?  Because the child’s nervous system can get “organized” over time.  There are times when the part of the brain which is undamaged, will take over the work of the damaged nerves of the brain.  Although this would not be sufficient and make the child to completely recover, the development and the difference in motor skills are huge. 

Eighteen months would be the most common age for most children to get cerebral palsy diagnosis. But this age is also the most difficult stage for a child to get diagnosed.  Why?  A child can have a brain injury and may scar the brain.  Although the child, a few months from the serious traumatic incident, may show signs of cerebral palsy, the child may recover a year from the incident.

Doctors would use different medical technology to properly diagnose a child of cerebral palsy.  There can be computed tomography or CT imaging  which can determine if there are areas of the brain which are underdeveloped. An MRI or magnetic resonance imaging can also be used for the same purpose.  There are also intelligence tests that can also help doctors in making a diagnosis.  The mother’s pregnancy is also important in determining the abnormality.

To cope with the abnormality, there are many treatment options that an individual with cerebral palsy could undergo.  There are also support groups where families of those who have children with cerebral palsy can draw strength from.  Cerebral palsy does not only poses challenges to the affected individual but also with the people surrounding them like their family. 

There are many management programs that would help individuals with cerebral palsy to develop their physical, mental, social and emotional growth.  There are education programs, counselling and guidance programs and other activities, that cerebral palsy patients could still participate in.

It could be difficult, but this would help them experience life despite their disability.

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Types Of Cerebral Palsy 
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United Cerebral Palsy defined cerebral palsy as a “group of chronic conditions” which affects the movement of the body and the coordination of its different muscles.  Its existence is because the part of the brain which controls muscle movements has certain abnormalities.  These abnormalities can be brought about by some problems during pregnancy.

Most of the children diagnosed with cerebral palsy were diagnosed in the age of 18 months.  Although, this abnormality can already exist at the time of birth, it becomes evident or noticeable during two years old until three they are three.  It would have to clear that cerebral palsy is not something which is transmissible nor progressing.  There are different treatment options which could help patients to cope with it.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes (NINDS) estimates about 800,000 Americans, children and adult, to be affected with cerebral palsy.  There are different types of cerebral palsy. 

• Mild Cerebral Palsy
 
Those who are suffering from mild cerebral palsy only have slight impairment, the symptoms are not that evident and usually not that noticeable.  There would be cases when the child would remain undiagnosed with cerebral palsy, because it is not that obvious.  The sad thing about it is that because it is barely noticeable, the possibility of treatment is also very slim.

They can be slightly affected physically, they could have problems lifting heavy items.  You would also notice that mild cerebral palsy patients would frequently use a particular side more often that the other.  But the intelligence is not affected at all. 

• Spastic Cerebral Palsy

This is the most common cerebral palsy case.  It affects about 80 percent of all the cerebral palsy cases.  There is damage on the motor cortex which would lead to tightness and stiffness of muscle or muscle groups.  This would limit movement, for example, children would find it difficult to hold objects. 

• Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

If spastic is the most common, athetoid covers about 10 percent of the cerebral palsy cases.  The damage of the brain will be on the parts that coordinate body movements and at the same time maintains the posture of student.  Those who have athetoid cerebral palsy would find that the face would experience involuntary movements.  Speech is barely understandable and the food will be difficult to swallow.   Aside form that, the person who is affected with this would also have problems with the survey. 

• Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

This would a more rare form of cerebral palsy, about 5 to 10 percent of the total number of cerebral palsy patients are affected with this.  Those who have this kind of cerebral palsy would experience poor muscle tone and development.  Coordination would be very difficult too.   They also tend to have a very shaky grip.

• Mixed Cerebral Palsy

Just like what the name is, it is about the combination of other types of cerebral palsy.  The most common mix would be the spastic cerebral palsy and at the same athetoid cerebral palsy.  Those who are suffering from this would not have any particular type of cerebral palsy, therefore their symptoms can also be mixed.  The spastic cerebral palsy tend to be more visible, especially if the child will reach the age of nine months.
About 10 percent of  cerebral palsy patients have this. 

There are different types of cerebral palsy and if we think that an important individual is showing signs based on the definition, then it would be for the best to get an expert opinion and help. Each type would have a treatment program more suitable for them.

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Treatments and Drugs for Cerebral Palsy 
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It is usually a family’s joy to witness how a baby learns his first step and his first uttered words. In rare cases, a baby becomes unable to do such activities. Children with cerebral palsy are generally finding it uneasy if not impossible to take a first step or to say the first words. The condition is inborn and could be totally affecting all the activities and movements that children normally do everyday. Thus, many children with this problem are often confined within the use of wheelchairs, braces, or crutches.

Cerebral palsy is not a totally new disease or condition. It is currently affecting thousands of infants and children from all around the world annually. You should not worry too much because the condition is not in any way contagious. That means other children could still play with and interact with children suffering from cerebral palsy. Because the condition is greatly affecting the human brain, it is more often deemed very hard, if not impossible to treat. However, there are currently certain special medications and procedures that are administered and performed to help cerebral palsy patients come close to living normal lives.

When a person has cerebral palsy, his brain is exposed to damage or abnormality that could worsen over time. The condition shows very early in life and even during infancy. It could stay on until adulthood or until the entire lifespan of a patient. Children and other patients of cerebral palsy need long-term caring. There are treatments and medications available. The amount and type of treatment could depend on how many problems the child could have or how severe those problems could become. Here are several of the most usual and massively used medications, therapies and surgical procedure that are available for cerebral palsy patients.

Medications available could include muscle relaxants and Botox. Muscle relaxants could be of great help because they could provide an option to relax even the most contracted and stiffest muscles. They may have side effects, though, which include upset stomach and drowsiness. Botulinum toxin or more commonly called as Botox is popular among plastic surgeons. They are often injected into facial muscles to make tissues swell and in turn help eliminate wrinkles. Botox is also used to treat cerebral palsy patients because they could relieve muscle contractures and spasms that are common to cerebral palsy patients.

There are three different kinds of therapies available for cerebral palsy patients. Physical therapy involves muscle exercises and training to help a patient develop flexibility, strength, motor development, and balance. In such therapies, splints and braces could be recommended. Occupational therapies are also necessary. Occupational therapists use particularly adaptive machines to help promote independent participation in usual activities in home, community, and school. Speech therapy may also be very helpful. Undergoing one could help a child with the condition learn to speak clearly or at least communicate through sign language.

Surgical procedures should also not be ruled out. In several cases, special surgical procedures have to cut nerves that serve spastic muscles. This helps reduce pain and relax muscles. Orthopedic procedures are also necessary in treating severe deformities and contractures on tendons, joints, and bones so that legs and arms’ inborn positions could be corrected.

This procedure could help a patient use braces, crutches, and walkers more easily.

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The Power of Encouragement to Help People with Cerebral Palsy 
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It is not a surprise to hear about people with cerebral palsy feeling dismayed or their spirits dampened with the realization of their condition, but with the heart to help and the power of encouragement to help people with cerebral palsy, then can you appreciate the true meaning of empowerment.

It may be blunt to say that there are people more gifted and successful than others or others only being able to do something less, especially for those with cerebral palsy, but the power of encouragement affects the lives of people and how it helps maintain the balance of human nature.

There are several forms of human encouragement, but not matter what type it is, it will definitely set the tone for not only building character, but also differentiates the men from the boys.

Encouragement is the key factor in shaping how man is able to stand taller than the rest, it is the authority that take the role of leadership in an organization or simply the voice that molds the opinion of others.

But generally, encouragement is what binds organizations, strengthens relationships, the defining thought in a somewhat difficult thought process, even for people with cerebral palsy.

Encouragement takes in many different forms and most commonly found in leadership, empathy, assurance and motivation, among others.

Common beliefs point to encouragement as a trait among those possessing advanced knowledge, sizable wealth, mental and social stability.

Encouragement can lead to persuasion which can sway others to develop a sense of belongingness and solidarity.

For those people with the skills to encourage, it is imbued in people considered as headstrong and have the will power to make things work for all concerned.

Encouragement is not limited to an individual, it is also manifested in the way things are perceived, without prejudice or discrimination that may tend to place people with cerebral palsy at a disadvantaged situation.
 
So by now you know how encouragement helps to balance the forces and characteristics of human nature, especially since it defines how strengths make up for the weaknesses – that is the power of influence.
 
Encouragement is about patience, care, understanding, empathy and most especially, it is learning how to cope and come to terms with something that will linger throughout the rest of their lives, since cerebral palsy is by far ‘incurable’ but is not communicable or can be contracted by others.

It is not that easy to say that it is easy to live with cerebral palsy, but the first step in dealing with the disorder is to help others learn how to cope with cerebral palsy.

It may not be a disease or illness, but by knowing the importance of understanding cerebral palsy can truly help us be aware of how it affects the lives of many people all over the world and how we can help people cope with the disorder.

Knowing the importance of understanding cerebral palsy can truly help people become more aware of how we may be able to help people with cerebral palsy live normal and productive lives, free from persecution and discrimination.

It is by the simple though of understanding and awareness that we may be able to change the perception among people that cerebral palsy is not a threat, nor it is a dangerous disease, rather it is but God’s way of telling us that these are challenges that will help us understand and appreciate life better and this is where we hope to draw out strength and make it the power of encouragement to help people with cerebral palsy.

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The Importance of Understanding Cerebral Palsy 
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It may not be a disease or illness, but by knowing the importance of understanding cerebral palsy can truly help us be aware of how it affects the lives of many people all over the world and how we can help people cope with the disorder.

Cerebral paralysis, which is also commonly known as CP, was first discovered and studied by a British surgeon named William Little back in 1860.

This discovery led the way to establishing opinions and theories regarding the possibility of asphyxia at birth as a chief cause of this disorder, since it may have been considered a research in progress at the early stages of the studies conducted into the disorder.

Then in 1897, the famous psychoanalysis proponent and scientist Sigmund Freud, who was then a practicing neurologist, pushed for the idea that a difficult birth was not the cause of the disorder, but rather only a symptom of other effects on fetal development – including what may be known today as cerebral palsy.

Despite many years of research and debates on the topic, the major cause of cerebral palsy still remains uncertain. While many findings give rise to the idea that the problem stems from the lack of oxygen to the fetus during fetal development, exposure to radiation, certain levels of internal infection during pregnancy, brain trauma during childbirth and delivery.
However, these are just some of the causes but are not necessarily the main and primary reasons for cerebral palsy.

Medical experts agree that cerebral palsy is caused by damage to one or more areas of the brain, which usually occurs during the development of the fetus or the early stages of infancy. In many cases, it can also occur before, during or shortly following birth, which is also characterized by early symptoms that can be detected right away.

For many young patients with mild to moderately severe cases of cerebral palsy is  not a hindrance for them attending school, making friends, or doing things they enjoy, however, they are just doing it differently compared to what people normally do.

These patients usually are assisted by computers or robots which make it possible for them to go about and do things on a day to day basis.
Equipment ranges from computers that help them communicate with others and specially equipped wheelchairs that help them get around, which allows children with cerebral palsy do the same things as children without cerebral palsy can do.

Other people like you can also help make it easy for those with cerebral palsy, especially by understanding that they are a bit challenged when it comes to mobility or movement, so it is best to treat them with patience and understanding.Patients with cerebral palsy may exhibit symptoms of seizures for some but not all, muscle spasm or stiffness, involuntary movement of the hands and feet, abnormal sensations and perception, varying degrees of speech, sight or hearing impairment and sudden disturbances in mobility or movement.

Other symptoms also include lethargy or lack of alertness, low muscle tone especially in the limbs and feet, trembling of the legs and arms, irregular feeding abilities, abnormal posturing, abnormal to inhibited reflexes and irritability, among others.

With these symptoms, one can better understand how to deal and create awareness to help people with cerebral palsy cope with their condition.

Knowing the importance of understanding cerebral palsy can truly help people become more aware of how we may be able to help people with cerebral palsy live normal and productive lives, free from persecution and discrimination.

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A Glimpse into Cerebral Palsy 
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One of the most prevalent yet enigmatic disorders known in the medical world today is cerebral palsy, but hoping to get a glimpse into cerebral palsy will help people understand why it happens and what can be done to deal with it.

Cerebral paralysis is also known as CP for short. The condition was discovered by the British surgeon named William Little in 1860. His discovery led to the study and formulation of theories with regards to asphyxia at birth as the main cause of the problem.

But it was only in 1897 that famed psychoanalyst and now the Father of Psychology Sigmund Freud pushed for the idea that a difficult birthing is not the true cause of cerebral paralysis. Then a neurologist, Freud said that the problem may have been a symptom and an effect of a far more complex problem on fetal development. He was right and the condition is one of the effects of what is called cerebral palsy.

But despite the years of research and the ongoing debate on the subject, no one still know even now what exactly causes cerebral palsy. Nothing is ever certain when it comes to this problem. This is despite the fact that a lot of findings point fingers to problems caused by a lack of oxygen during fetal development. Some also include exposure to radiation, internal infection during pregnancy, trauma in the brain during childbirth and delivery as some of the other causes of cerebral palsy.

However, these are just some of the causes but are not necessarily the main and primary reasons for cerebral palsy.No less than 50% of all children born prematurely are believed to develop cerebral palsy upon their delivery. Medical experts believe that premature infants are vulnerable to cerebral palsy, in part because their organs have not yet fully developed when they were born, thus increasing the risk of hypoxic injury due to the lack of oxygen circulation to the brain that is largely responsible for those studied with cerebral palsy.

There are basically three common types of cerebral palsy, first is the spastic where someone with spastic cerebral palsy does not have the capacity to relax their muscles or may even be stiff.Next is athetoid, for which those with this type of cerebral palsy affects the patient’s ability to control their muscles, which is usually characterized by the patient’s hands and feet fluttering uncontrollably.

And the one with ataxic cerebral palsy has problems with balance and coordination.Cerebral palsy ranges from mild to severe cases, which may be characterized by the amount or degree of brain trauma or damage of the patient, however, is not generally conclusive about the actual cause of cerebral palsy.

Neurologists are the primary specialists that deal with patients afflicted with cerebral palsy, through which patients are commonly diagnosed with the analysis and assessment of the patient’s nervous system.For young patients, especially for children with cerebral palsy, they are most commonly treated by pediatric neurologists.

Treatment for young patients with cerebral palsy may also undergo therapeutic treatment by a pediatric orthopedist who will be responsible for handling problems with joints and bones. This is followed up with treatment from a developmental pediatrician, who usually monitors how young cerebral palsy patients throughout their developmental stage and by a pediatric physiatrist who treats children with disabilities.

So basically this is a good glimpse into cerebral palsy that may provide us with key and important information regarding cerebral palsy and how to better understand it.

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Cerebral Palsy And Dealing With Malnutrition 
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Children with cerebral palsy do not only have problems with their motor skills.  This can, actually, be defined or referred to as insufficient growth and development. Children would cerebral palsy would often experience difficulty in eating.   Difficulties would include unable to swallow, hyperactive gag reflex, and inability to control feeding.  These challenges could be factors on why most children with cerebral palsy are malnourished.

There are several issues or reasons why children with cerebral palsy find it difficult to eat.   For example, the mouth and the throat of a person could be affected by cerebral palsy making it difficult for patients to eat. Others would find it difficult to control their tongue.  In some cases these could end up choking the patient when their food is directed towards on the tracheas down to the lungs. 

There are also some who does not want to be touched on the face, lips and mouth.  This could also affect whenever you are feeding the patient.  Because of the numerous problems on feeding, it takes a while before children with cerebral palsy would finish their food.  A longer time and process of feeding would totally tire the child, therefore more calories were being burned.

There are researches from the University of California, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, showing the malnutrition has become a common problem among patients of cerebral palsy.  In the research, it was stated that in severe cases of cerebral palsy, malnutrition is evident. But in less severe cases of cerebral palsy, malnutrition is barely noticeable.

What is malnutrition?

Malnutrition is a condition where the body does not gain enough vitamins, nutrients and minerals that the body needs. Malnutrition is not only about being undernourished, there are also cases of malnutrition where the body is overnourished.

Lack of nutrition while the baby is undergoing fetal development can be a risk factor for cerebral palsy.  If the baby is not getting enough nutrition, there could be problems with the brain development. Therefore, even if the baby is still in the stomach, it is very important to eat foods that will provide sufficient vitamins and nutrients.  This would help lessen the risk of any abnormalities.

It is important to treat or address malnutrition immediately.  When unnoticed and unattended, malnutrition could even lead to making their conditions worse and in worst cases, could even lead to death.

So what can we do about it?

There are different ways to address malnutrition for cerebral palsy patients. It may be necessary for parents to give nutritional supplements.  A speech therapist is also somebody who can help about malnutrition and cerebral palsy.  A speech therapist helps the patient to have more control with the mouth muscles.  This would help the individual to intake more food.

Treatment could also involve the use of support systems and other devices.  For example, there are surgical procedures that can done like inserting gastronomy tubes which would allow the children to have more feeding.  For those children who are finding it hard to grasp other objects, larger eating utensils can be given to them so that would be able to wait for the laptop.

There are about 35% of children with cerebral palsy who are malnourished.  This is a very important issue and needs to be addressed. Problems like this with feeding and nutrition can even worsen the children’s condition.

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Cerebral Palsy and Education 
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Cerebral palsy is a challenging condition not only due to various complications or problems involved with the condition but also the social learning challenge that is involved. Since cerebral palsy underlying problems and conditions begin at an early age, children needs to undergo a somewhat different kind of learning process for them to at least be educated with the world they live in. Living in a sheltered environment may not always be the best solution. Proper education is as important as the right medical treatment.

Children with cerebral palsy are challenged by the various problems and disabilities their condition has brought them. Ordinary activities like thinking, learning and even memory are not acquired the same way as ordinary, healthy kids. There are specialists that can teach parents the proper techniques and approaches for educating children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. First, these specialists will properly identify the specific disabilities that have been brought about by their condition.

Even if a child has above-average intelligence, problems involving muscle movements for example can be hindrances to their education. Upon determining what kinds of problems the children face, the right strategies can then be used for educating children with cerebral palsy. Early interventions and special preparations for schools can be imposed as well as monitoring systems can be imposed to monitor the learning progress of patients.

One can only stress the importance of individual assessment of patients. Each patient is unique. The degree of the disorder affects how and what kinds of therapy the child will need. Because of this case, the parents are the first ones that need to understand and cope with their child’s condition. But parents should never attempt to educate their children alone. It takes a good support group both from the medical community and groups of physical therapists and other special education teachers that can help a patient with cerebral palsy learn things better.

Why is the presence of support groups important for the education of a child with cerebral palsy? Each of these individuals are experts on their own field and they would know the proper approach to be taken. Physical therapists for example help in the development of simple motor skills. Cerebral palsy can severely affect even the most basic of the body’s motor skills. Walking, sitting or even just standing can be quite daunting to some patients with cerebral palsy so adding challenges like learning and education can already be too much.

There are patients who will need speech therapists that will help in the development of the child’s speech as well as their capacity to listen. Because of their disabilities, patients with cerebral palsy needs the care of special educators since they have the patience, the dedication and correct mindset for teaching kids with these kinds of disability.

Sometimes the condition is not severe enough that parents are prevented from enrolling their children in normal schools. In fact attending normal schools have proven to be beneficial to a patient with cerebral palsy. The disabilities might be limiting but it doesn’t mean that foregoing your child’s education is the right decision. Having them enroll or teaching them the proper education also help them emotionally. For fellow students tend to stay away from people who look different.

Cerebral palsy and education should come hand in hand. Both are needed especially for teaching kids with cerebral palsy.

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Cerebral Palsy and Its Known Risk Factors 
(Article published on Internet adding it on site for help to visitors)

Cerebral palsy is not a likely condition. That is because it is up to this day incurable. It is also staying in a patient as long as he lives. Unfortunately, cerebral palsy is diagnosed in some babies, often shortly after birth. The causes may still be not fully certain, but parents should be reminded that there certainly are risk factors. It should be noted that many children who have the condition seem not to have any problem after birth or at least during development in their mothers’ wombs. What are the common risk factors that increase the possibility of cerebral palsy? Here are some of them. 

The age of the mother during the pregnancy could have a strong influence on whether a child would develop cerebral palsy or not. In general, mothers who are above 40 years of age during the pregnancy are more likely to give birth to a baby who has cerebral palsy. Likewise goes for mothers who are younger than 20 years during pregnancy. Several studies have also pointed out that the age of the biological father of the baby could also be a risk factor. In many cases, a child born with the condition has a father whose age is younger than 20 years.

In the past, cerebral palsy had been referred to as black babies’ condition. This is because it has been observed that babies born within African-American ethnicity are more likely to develop the problem. However, these days, cerebral palsy is also affecting many white, European, and Asian children. It seems to never choose race nowadays.

Pregnant women with multiple babies are more likely to have at least one of those babies with cerebral palsy. The risk increases as the number of unborn babies in the uterus increases. It has also been found that if any of the babies die, the surviving babies could have a higher chance of developing the condition. This is more common among twins. If the other dies after birth, the remaining one has a greater possibility of having the condition.

Exposure of the pregnant mother to toxic substances could be considered a common risk factor for cerebral palsy. Some of the toxic substances involved include mercury. Thus, pregnant mothers are always advised to live in a good and clean environment without any unnecessary pollutant. Otherwise, there could be a possibility that the baby would be diagnosed with cerebral palsy after birth.

Of course, the overall health of the mother could have a strong influence on the baby’s overall health as well. Mental retardation, seizures, and thyroid problems are usually some of the common problems pregnant women might have before they give birth to a baby with cerebral palsy. Again, it is best if the expecting mom would appropriately take care of her own health so she could also take care of her unborn child’s.

The order of birth is also being eyed these days as a possible risk factor for development of cerebral palsy. It has been observed that babies who are first born to a couple could have greater chances of having the condition. The same goes for babies born fifth or much later to a couple. Blood type incompatibility between the infant and the mother is also identified as among those factors.

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Cerebral Palsy, Do My Kids Have It? 
(Article published on Internet adding it on site for help to visitors)

Before you start asking all sorts of questions and begin to arrive to all sorts of conclusions, let’s start you off with the right facts about cerebral palsy. First thing that you need to learn is that cerebral palsy is not a disease. It is a condition or more correctly a group of chronic conditions which affects the body movement and our muscle coordination. The condition is brought about by damage to an area of the brain and occurs during the development of the baby at the time of pregnancy.

This is where the word cerebral palsy came from: the word cerebral meaning brain and palsy which refers to the weakening or poor control of the muscles. It has been diagnosed that the condition is not progressive meaning it does not get worse over time. Nonetheless, the condition is not the only thing that needs to be considered. There are a number of secondary conditions that result from cerebral palsy which can get worse. So do you think that your kids or someone else’s kid you know has cerebral palsy? Let’s look at some of the basic facts.

When you look for the symptoms of the condition, you will see some very noticeable signs like difficulty with such basic motor functions like writing, balance and even walking, as well as presence of involuntary movements. However, do remember that the combination of symptoms varies from patient to patient. Babies can even exhibit symptoms of the condition. It has been observed that babies with cerebral palsy are slower in achieving development such as crawling, sitting, rolling over, walking and even smiling. Doctors can check through motor skill and reflexes tests as well as the family’s medical history.

An MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan and a CT or Computerized Tomography are most often ordered for patients suspected of having the condition. However, you need to understand that these tests despite being to advanced are not as conclusive as one might think. What these machines can do is to exclude some other possible brain disorders. However, these scans can show scars, cysts or any other changes in the brain.

There are different kinds of cerebral palsy, just for your information. The types are actually based on the kinds of problems balance and movement patients encounter or where in the body the problem is located. Examples of the former are athetoid and spastic cerebral palsy. While the latter includes the hemiplegia, diplegia and quadriplegia kinds.

When we say spastic we refer to the inability of the muscles to relax and athetosis on the other hand refers to one incapable of controlling movement. Meanwhile, hemiplegia refers to having cerebral palsy in one arm and one leg on one side of the body. The diplegia refers to having the condition on both legs and quadriplegia means having it on all the arms and legs and even in body and neck muscles.

As you might already know, cerebral palsy is not a curable condition. You cannot just ask a doctor for a pill to swallow and everything will go away. Once you have the condition you pretty much will have it the rest of your life. However, one can help prevent it from happening. A pregnant mother can take a couple of precautionary measure to ensure that her baby will not develop cerebral palsy. Among the recommended measures include reducing exposure to infectious virus and bacteria, less exposure to e-rays and various other medications, and even controlling wisely disease like anemia and diabetes helps.

Despite the lack of cure, there are procedures or treatments wherein patients diagnosed with cerebral palsy can help lessen the effects of the condition on their day to day lives. So if you think you’re child do have cerebral palsy, one should be prepared mentally and emotionally to handle the situation.

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