About Cerebral Palsy:
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder in which body movement and muscle coordination are impaired. Despite the fact that muscle movement is affected, cerebral palsy isn’t caused by problems in muscles but by abnormalities in the brain that control muscle coordination. Cerebral palsy is typically diagnosed at birth, although there are instances when it can be diagnosed in toddlers.
Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the motor control regions of the brain during development. Brain damage can range from injury and infection to disease and genetic mutations. This damage often occurs during pregnancy and causes limited muscle movement, poor posture, and disturbances in sensation, perception, communication, and cognition.
It is important to note that cerebral palsy is not a disease, but a paralysis.
Are there Different Forms of Cerebral Palsy?
Yes, there are three main types of cerebral palsy.
1) Spastic Cerebral Palsy is the most common form of cerebral palsy and involves tightness and inflexibility in the muscles that are controlled by the damaged muscle coordination region of the brain.
2) Athetoid Cerebral Palsy refers to uncontrolled muscle movements that typically occur when an individual with cerebral palsy begins to move. People with this type of cerebral palsy often have weak muscles and feel a limp sensation when carried by someone else.
3) Ataxic Cerebral Palsy is the least common form. People with Ataxic Cerebral Palsy have shaky, uncoordinated movements and balance problems.
Image from: www.stemcelltreatments.in/cerebral_palsy
Though there are three main types of cerebral palsy, many individuals do not have just one type but rather a mixture of Spastic, Athetoid, and Ataxic Cerebral Palsy.
How is the Body Affected by Cerebral Palsy?
Symptoms vary from people to people. Some individuals have a wider range of muscle movement and coordination than others. Here are some useful terms to know:
1) Hemiplegia: affects the leg and arm on one side of the body
2) Diplegia: affects both legs and arms
3) Quadriplegia: In addition to having impaired leg and arm movements, muscles in the mouth and face are also affected.
What Types of Equipment do People with Cerebral Palsy Use?
Equipment varies based on symptoms. Some examples are: wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and crutches.
Is Cerebral Palsy hereditary?
No, cerebral palsy is not hereditary. However, researchers have discovered that hereditary factors can increase the risk of having cerebral palsy because some genetic defects result in brain malformations.
Is There a Cure or Treatment for Cerebral Palsy?
Because the brain injury is permanent, cerebral palsy is not curable. However, therapy and training can help improve an individual’s condition. Doctors and specialists like to use the word “management” instead of therapy. The goal of management is to help an affected individual achieve his or her maximum potential.
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy help individuals affected by cerebral palsy. BOTOX injections and surgical operations also improve an individual’s muscle movement and coordination.
Can People with Cerebral Palsy Live Normal Lives?
Yes, of course. Despite a limit in muscle movement, people with cerebral palsy can still go to school, hold jobs, have a family, etc. Ask members about their sibling with cerebral palsy!
Additional Resource and Citation: http://bccerebralpalsy.com/about-us/cp-faq/
Siblings with a Mission is an international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder in which body movement and muscle coordination are impaired. Despite the fact that muscle movement is affected, cerebral palsy isn’t caused by problems in muscles but by abnormalities in the brain that control muscle coordination. Cerebral palsy is typically diagnosed at birth, although there are instances when it can be diagnosed in toddlers.
Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the motor control regions of the brain during development. Brain damage can range from injury and infection to disease and genetic mutations. This damage often occurs during pregnancy and causes limited muscle movement, poor posture, and disturbances in sensation, perception, communication, and cognition.
It is important to note that cerebral palsy is not a disease, but a paralysis.
Are there Different Forms of Cerebral Palsy?
Yes, there are three main types of cerebral palsy.
1) Spastic Cerebral Palsy is the most common form of cerebral palsy and involves tightness and inflexibility in the muscles that are controlled by the damaged muscle coordination region of the brain.
2) Athetoid Cerebral Palsy refers to uncontrolled muscle movements that typically occur when an individual with cerebral palsy begins to move. People with this type of cerebral palsy often have weak muscles and feel a limp sensation when carried by someone else.
3) Ataxic Cerebral Palsy is the least common form. People with Ataxic Cerebral Palsy have shaky, uncoordinated movements and balance problems.
Image from: www.stemcelltreatments.in/cerebral_palsy
Though there are three main types of cerebral palsy, many individuals do not have just one type but rather a mixture of Spastic, Athetoid, and Ataxic Cerebral Palsy.
How is the Body Affected by Cerebral Palsy?
Symptoms vary from people to people. Some individuals have a wider range of muscle movement and coordination than others. Here are some useful terms to know:
1) Hemiplegia: affects the leg and arm on one side of the body
2) Diplegia: affects both legs and arms
3) Quadriplegia: In addition to having impaired leg and arm movements, muscles in the mouth and face are also affected.
What Types of Equipment do People with Cerebral Palsy Use?
Equipment varies based on symptoms. Some examples are: wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, and crutches.
Is Cerebral Palsy hereditary?
No, cerebral palsy is not hereditary. However, researchers have discovered that hereditary factors can increase the risk of having cerebral palsy because some genetic defects result in brain malformations.
Is There a Cure or Treatment for Cerebral Palsy?
Because the brain injury is permanent, cerebral palsy is not curable. However, therapy and training can help improve an individual’s condition. Doctors and specialists like to use the word “management” instead of therapy. The goal of management is to help an affected individual achieve his or her maximum potential.
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy help individuals affected by cerebral palsy. BOTOX injections and surgical operations also improve an individual’s muscle movement and coordination.
Can People with Cerebral Palsy Live Normal Lives?
Yes, of course. Despite a limit in muscle movement, people with cerebral palsy can still go to school, hold jobs, have a family, etc. Ask members about their sibling with cerebral palsy!
Additional Resource and Citation: http://bccerebralpalsy.com/about-us/cp-faq/
Siblings with a Mission is an international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.
