Cerbral Palsy (CP) is categorized as a posture or chronic movement disorder. It is categorized by paralysis, seizures, spasticity, and problems with balance and coordination. Although CP affects the muscles of the body, muscle and nerve problems are not its root cause.
Cerbral Palsy affects the brain's ability to control bodily movements. Depending on disease severity, symptoms can range from slight clumsiness to total inablility to walk. In the United States, 500,000 to 700,000 adults are afflicted with CP. A quarter of CP clients also have mental retardation.
CHILDREN
Most cases, about eighty-percent, are detected within a child's first month. Approximately ten to twenty percent of children develop CP after birth- most often from brain damage during an infant's first few months. Viral or bacterial infection, such as meningitis, jaundice, strokes, or a genetic disorder can cause CP. Head trauma resulting from car accidents, falls, or abuse may also invoke brain damage.
8,000 infants are diagnosed with CP every year. Babies born prematurely and multiples births, such as twins, show a greater risk for developing CP. Most kids with CP are behind in developmental milestones, such as sitting, standing, walking, or holding up one's head. A third of children also experience seizures.
TYPES
SPASTIC. The most prevalent form of CP is "Spastic," affecting the muscles through jerky movements and rigidity and limiting a person's mobility. Seventy to eighty percent suffer from this type.
ATHETOID DYSKINETIC. This category is the second most common, causing widespread muscle problems. Affecting ten to twenty percent of CP clients, symptoms include difficulty in sitting, walking, or maintaining facial muscles. Weak or tight muscle tone is the main culprit.
HYPOTONIC. This type plagues the body earlier than most types- a baby showing muscle control struggles fairly soon. Common problems are delayed motor skills and inability for infants to hold up one's head when sitting, the head appearing "floppy." Brain damage of malformations during brain development are the origins of this category.
ATAXIC. The least common CP type, "Ataxic" disrupts a child's fine motor skills, such as buttoning a shirt, scissor cutting, or tying shoelaces. Other indicators include tremors and shaking when grabging a toy, balance and coordination problems, and walking with feet far apart. Approximately five and ten percent of patients are afflicted with this CP category.
MIXED. Some cases of CP do not meet the specific criteria of any of the specific category. This "Mixed" type affects thirty-percent of CP patients.
Not defined as a "progressive disorder," CP can stay the same, worsen, or get better over time with physical therapy resulting in improved functioning for some people. Fortunately, help is available with thirty-percent of CP patients benefiting from wheelchairs, walkers, braces, or other devices.
Camping Essentials: What To Bring For Your Trip
Prepare for your next outdoor adventure with our comprehensive guide on camping essentials. From shelter to survival gear, we cover everything you need to pack to ensure a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable trip. Don't let forgotten items ruin your experience—check our list before you head out!
What To Do If You're Involved in a Truck Accident
Truck accidents can happen just about any time regardless of how safe a driver you are. Being involved in a truck accident is a very traumatic event for anyone.
What Goes into a Press Kit?
A press kit is a packet of information about a product or business. The kit must be comprehensive, relevant and informational.
