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Cerebral Palsy Causes

Cerebral palsy is not caused by any single circumstance and is usually a result of multiple factors with similar roots involving problems with coordination and control of movement. It is usually a result of injury during fetal development and less often during birth. In most cases, this condition is not detected for several months after birth and the specific cause of it is extremely hard to pinpoint. However, about 10 per cent of all cerebral palsy cases are linked to brain damage early in a child's life and can be caused by brain infections as well as physical injury. The higher the risk is of such events occurring during an infant's development the more cautious parents should be in avoiding these risks. Some of the causes of cerebral palsy include: blood type incompatibility between mother and infant premature birth bacterial infection of the mother, fetus or infant affecting the central nervous system loss of oxygen to the infant during birth physical in...

Types of Cerebral Palsy

Currently there are four known types of cerebral palsy, which consist of: Athetoid/Dyskinetic Spastic Cerebral Palsy Ataxic Cerebral Palsy Mixed Form Cerebral Palsy (combination of one or more of the above) Athetoid/Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy This type of cerebral palsy is usually characterized by slow uncontrollable movements which usually affect the muscles in legs, hands, feet, and in some cases face or throat, which can result in drooling or grimacing. Such symptoms are most visible during times of emotional stress and are virtually invisible during sleep. In addition, this type of cerebral palsy can cause speech disorders. Athetoid or Dyskinetic cerebral palsy falls in to roughly 10-20 per cent of all cases. Spastic Cerebral Palsy This is the most common type of cerebral palsy, which is known to occur in about 70-80 per cent of all cases. It is described based on which of patient's limbs are affected. In most of these cases ones limbs are either paralyz...

Cerebral Palsy Informatioan

Cerebral palsy is a combination of chronic conditions affecting muscle coordination and body movement and is caused by damage to certain areas of the brain usually occurring in the early stages of life or during development of the fetus. Therefore, it is an aftereffect of damage to motor areas in the brain controlling movement or posture rather than damage to individual muscles. Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive condition; however, certain other side effects such as muscle spasticity can develop at later stages and can get progressively worse or improve depending on the specifics of person's condition. Cerebral palsy is not a disease and therefore can not be communicated from one person to another. Some of the following effects of cerebral palsy can occur depending on the particular area of the brain that has been affected: involuntary movement speech impairment seizures mental retardation bladder and bowel control muscle spasticity difficulties in feeding or swal...

Origin and History of Cerebral Palsy

Who Discovered Cerebral Palsy? The origin and history of cerebral palsy includes a number of great minds, generous hearts, and dedicated people striving to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. In the mid-1800s, Dr. William John Little pioneered the study of cerebral palsy using his own childhood disability as an inspiration. His innovative techniques are still helping people today. Sir William Osler, considered an important figure in furthering modern medicine, expounded on Little’s research and wrote the first book on cerebral palsy. Dr. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, proposed the idea that cerebral palsy might result from abnormal fetal development – decades before the medical field embraced the concept. Other individuals and organizations made historical strides toward helping those with cerebral palsy, as well. At different times, the U.S. government passed crucial legislation to modernize care and further th...

Disability Terminology in Cerebral palsy

DOs: Do Use Terminology Properly Become aware of proper meaning behind terms. Improper use leads to hurt feelings, offended individuals, and disrespectful use of language. Do Respect the Person, First Referring to an individual by their impairment is no longer acceptable. Acceptable terminology accentuates the person first, then mentions their impairment, only if pertinent. Labeling an individual is inappropriate. Describing an individual is appropriate. Do this by placing emphasis on the person, not their condition. It is proper to say ‘person with disability’ as opposed to ‘disabled person.’ It is proper to say ‘person with epilepsy’ versus ‘the epileptic.’ It is appropriate to state ‘the boy with quadriplegia’ versus ‘the quadriplegic.’ Do Get to Know the Level of Impairment A person with total hearing loss is considered ‘a person who is without hearing,’ but is not considered a ‘deaf person.’ Likewise, a person with partial hearing loss is referred to as...

Cerebral Palsy: Proper Use of Terminology

When a parent learns their child has cerebral palsy they begin to define and understand the condition. They may have many questions. What does this mean? Is my child impaired? Disabled? Handicapped? Is my child considered a special needs child? Is cerebral palsy a disease or is cerebral palsy a disability?  What does cerebral palsy mean? Words such as disability, impairment, special needs, and handicap are helpful when used correctly. However, the same words, when misunderstood and misused, can be hurtful, offensive and harmful. Is Cerebral Palsy an Impairment? Yes. Impairment is the loss or limitation of function. Impairment is a condition that limits a person to some degree. Those with cerebral palsy have a neurological condition which primarily causes physical impairment involving limitation or loss of function and mobility. They experience difficulty with muscle coordination, muscle control, muscle tone, reflexes, balance or posture. They may ha...

LIFE WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Recently Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy? Here’s What You Can Do Questions . That is how life with cerebral palsy begins once a diagnosis is delivered. What is it? How did this happen to my child? ™ What kind of life will my child have? How will my family be affected? How will I find the strength to manage this? Who will pay for all of the medical expenses? Who will take care of my child when I’m gone? A journey begins. Not the expected journey, but still, a journey full of joy and sadness. A journey full of laughter, smiles and tears. A journey full of challenges, failures, successes and triumphs. Cerebral palsy is an injury to the brain that affects the body. It’s non-life-threatening. It is not going to get worse. It can’t be spread. While the brain damage that caused cerebral palsy is not progressive, secondary conditions — such as difficulty eating, bladder/bowel problems, seizures, and learning disabilities — may develop. These associative condition...