This week, I wanted to share some important, interesting information, and facts I researched concerning Cerebral Palsy that effect many children and adults world-wide.
What is Cerebral Palsy (CP) and Cerebral Palsy Facts?
A congenital/neuromuscular disorder of movement, muscle tone, or posture. Cerebral palsy is due to abnormal or damaged brain development, often before birth. Symptoms include exaggerated reflexes, floppy or rigid limbs, and involuntary motions. These appear by early childhood. Long-term treatment includes physical and other therapies, drugs, and sometimes surgery.
Cure
There is currently no known cure for Cerebral palsy. It is treated with medication and therapies that help to alleviate symptoms. Each case of Cerebral palsy is different, and the disorder can affect the patient in a number of ways.
Cerebral Palsy Can be Divided into Four Types:
1. Spastic Cerebral Palsy
This is the most common type of Cerebral palsy, affecting more than 70% of patients. This type is characterized by increased muscle tone (hypertonia) and stiff, tight muscles. People with spasticity may not be able to relax their muscles, leading to rigid joints.
2. Athetoid Cerebral Palsy
Also called dyskinetic or dystonic Cerebral palsy, athetoid cerebral palsy comprises up 10 to 20% of all cases of Cerebral palsy. It is most commonly characterized by uncontrollable movements.
3. Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
Affecting around 5 to 10 % of patients, this is the least common type of Cerebral palsy. The name comes from the root word “ataxia,” meaning “uncoordinated.” Patients with this type of Cerebral palsy have difficulties with balance and coordination. It is often diagnosed later in life than other types, usually after a child has reached 18 months of age.
4. Mixed Cerebral Palsy
Because forms of the disorder are caused by injuries to different areas of the brain, some patients may exhibit symptoms of more than one type of Cerebral palsy. The most common combination of symptoms is a blend of athetoid and spastic symptoms. Mixed Cerebral palsy accounts for 10% of all cases.
Centers for Disease Control
The CDC estimates that an average of 1 in 323 children in the U.S. has cerebral palsy. Patients with the most severe cases of Cerebral palsy may have only a 25% chance of living to age 30. Less severe cases have a much longer life expectancy.
Additional Information:
Cerebral palsy often occurs in conjunction with other conditions, including epilepsy, intellectual disability, vision impairment, and an autism spectrum disorder.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches
Until next time, stay safe and well