Cerebral Palsy effects on children

Cerebral Palsy is actually a series of neurological disorders. It affects how the brain interacts with muscles and may come about as a result of a birth defect or inutero trauma. Cerebral Palsy affects about one in 275 children. Currently there are about 775,000 cases of Cerebral Palsy in both children and adults in the United States. Every year, about 8,000 babies are diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy.

–What does Cerebral Palsy look like–

Cerebral Palsy manifests itself within children being unable to meet developmental milestones such as crawling and eventually walking. Children typically have abnormal muscle tone, and can be startled easily and lack coordination. Many children also have floppy or stiff movements due to muscle development issues. Additionally these children may also have speech, eyesight and hearing problems. Frequently sufferers have problems swallowing as well as bladder and bowel control problems in addition to limited mobility.

–Three causes for Cerebral Palsy–

Experts now believe Cerebral Palsy can be caused by one of three conditions during pregnancy. The condition emerges from a number of causes. Periventricular leukomalacia, or damage to the white matter of the baby’s brain, which can be caused by a lack of oxygen. A mother’s drug use, infection, low blood pressure and premature birth have also been shown as a cause.

Another cause of Cerebral Palsy comes from the overall development of the brain. This is particularly vital during the first six months of pregnancy. Genetic factors and some infections can cause abnormal changes to the brain. If the brain development is altered within the pregnancy or birth process, its ability to communicate with muscles can impaired.

A third cause of Cerebral Palsy comes from bleeding inside the brain. It amounts to a fetus having a stroke. The hemorrhage leads to a lack of blood to brain tissue and results in parts of the brain to be damaged or die.

Premature babies and those from births of twins and triplets are thought to be at an increased risk of developing Cerebral Palsy.

–Diagnosis and treatment–

Cerebral Palsy is diagnosed by an examination of the child in looking for abnormal movement and motor skills. Doctors will perform blood tests as well as imaging of the brain such as a CT scan or MRI to rule out other possible problems such as muscular dystrophy. As the child approaches three years old, more thorough, advanced testing may be performed. A full diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy is not usually made before a child is four years old. A child will need regular assessments to provide such a diagnosis.

The symptoms of Cerebral Palsy do not necessarily get worse as the individual ages. However many suffer from seizures which can result in further injuries. There is no cure for the disease, but treatments can help patients develop better life skills and increase mobility and muscle use.

Goldberg & Osborne, a personal injury law firm, has provided this article for informational purposes only, written by an independent author, and has not reviewed or edited this article and is not responsible for its content or accuracy.