As has been noted in other articles and blogs on TheCPLawyer.com, “cerebral palsy” does not refer to one specific condition or disorder. In fact, cerebral palsy is a term used to describe any of several different conditions that may affect an individual. These conditions can be lumped together using the term “cerebral palsy” because they share two attributes in common: (1) First, the conditions are usually diagnosed within the first year or two of life; and (2) secondly, the conditions impact a person’s brain and nervous system, resulting in the person having difficulty controlling his or her motor functions. Regardless of the specific condition or type of cerebral palsy, there is no known cure at this time.
Different Types of Cerebral Palsy
A child who is born prematurely, who suffers a brain injury during delivery, or who is deprived of oxygen during birth is at risk of developing cerebral palsy. This can manifest in one of four ways:
1. Spastic: A child with spastic cerebral palsy will exhibit stiff muscles that are always contracted. The child will be unable to loosen or relax these muscles, which can make it difficult or impossible for the child to move or reach for objects. Any attempt to move or grasp objects may cause the child pain.
2. Athetoid: This type of cerebral palsy is also known as dyskenetic cerebral palsy and is characterized by uncontrollable and involuntary movements. The child may twist, writhe, or spasm. These movements may affect the child’s body, extremities, and/or face. Depending on the location of these movements, the child’s ability to speak, move, grasp objects, or remain upright when seated or standing can be affected.
3. Ataxic: A rarer form of cerebral palsy, ataxic cerebral palsy affects a child’s sense of balance and coordination, which in turn affects the child’s mobility.
4. Mixed: A child who suffers from cerebral palsy may exhibit symptoms and signs that are consistent with two or more types of cerebral palsy. This, of course, compounds the child’s difficulties.
There is no way to determine with complete accuracy whether a child will develop cerebral palsy or, if so, what type of cerebral palsy he or she will develop. Determining the type of cerebral palsy from which the child suffers and the precise manner in which the child is limited is crucial to determining what treatments, therapy, and assistive devices will provide the child with the greatest benefit.
When To Begin Looking for Signs of Cerebral Palsy
If your child was born under circumstances that make cerebral palsy a possibility, it is important that you and the child’s doctor carefully monitor the child for signs of cerebral palsy of any type. While there is presently no cure for cerebral palsy, early diagnosis and intervention may be able to help mitigate the loss of brain development and motor skill functioning. Educate yourself about the early signs of cerebral palsy and consult with your child’s doctor about any concerning or questionable behaviors you are noticing with your child. For more details visit: http://www.thecplawyer.com/
