Cerebral Palsy Facts

CEREBRAL PALSY WHAT IS CEREBRAL PALSY? In the UK, Cerebral Palsy (or CP) is the most common childhood physical disability, affecting around 1,800 babies each year. Cerebral palsy is a complex and varying disease that affects coordination and motor function. It is caused when the child's brain is damaged, usually sustained before, during or shortly after birth. CAUSES OF CEREBRAL PALSY 02 INFECTION IN PREGNANCY INSUFFICIENT OXYGEN LABOUR & DELIVERY ASPHYXIA PREMATURITY Premature birth, especially before 28 weeks can make a Infections in the mother child significantly more likely to develop cerebral palsy than a full term baby. This is because prematurity makes the brain more during pregnancy can be damaging to an infants developing nervous system. chicken pox, herpes and toxoplasmosis are all recognised as risks. Oxygen deprivation to the womb can be devastating to a developing fetus. Exposure to cigarette smoke and placental abruption, where the placenta detaches from the womb are Asphyxia (severe lack of oxygen) during labour delivery contributes to around 5-10% of cases of cerebral palsy. If a baby does not breath soon vulnerable to lower levels of oxygen and prone to bleeding. after birth it may suffer from brain damage. both common causes. TYPES OF CEREBRAL PALSY 2 3 SPASTIC ATHETOID ATAXIC This condition is by far the most common type of CP, occurring in almost 70% of all cases, manifesting in high and Ataxic cerebral palsy is Athetoid cerebral palsy accounts for around 20% of all cases of CP and is observed in 5-10% of all characterized by both hypertonia and hypotonia due to the individual's inability to control muscles tone. It is split into two categories - athetoid, which affects the limbs, and Cerebral Palsy cases, making it the least frequently diagnosed form. It is caused by damage to cerebellum - the balance centre of the brain. It can constant stiffness in the lower extremities of the body (usually legs, hips and pelvis.) affect any part of the body and impact upon a person's movement and day-to-day dyskinetic, which affects the trunk of the body. activities. CEREBRAL PALSY TREATMENT Currently there is no cure for cerebral palsy, however there are a variety of treatments and therapies available that can help improve a child's quality of life. Symptoms associated with cerebral palsy can be greatly improved by enrolling in appropriate therapy programs. A Physical therapy is considered one of the most important factors for treating anyone diagnosed with CP. Therapists aims to improve posture, strength and movement sO they are able function at their best throughout their life. Occupational therapy addresses the sensory, cognitive and motor functioning of a child, and helps them live independently by promoting their ability to perform daily rituals and everyday tasks. Speech therapy aims to assist a child in communicating effectively with the world. It can also improve, and make possible, eating and drinking LEGAL ASSISTANCE If a child's cerebral palsy was directly caused or con- tributed to by medical negligence during labour or delivery, then it is essential that the family receive legal advice from a specialist solicitor. Successful claims for negligently acquired cerebral palsy can help a child and their family remain financially secure and enable them to receive the best stand- ard of care throughout their life. 1 IN 400 30,000 135 100 For every 100 girls born with Cerebral Palsy there are 135 boys births in the UK occur Estimated 30,000 children Cerebral Palsy in the UK with Cerebral Palsy 1 IN 11 1 IN 3 1 in 50 children are deaf 1 in 11 children are blind 1 in 3 children are unable to walk 1 IN 4 1800 1 IN 4 1 in 4 children cannot feed or dress themselves 1 in 4 children have a learning disability Approx. 1,800 children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy in the UK SOURCES NHS PACE Designed by PLATFORMC) the cerebralpalsy ensuring your care for life site platform81.com ............... *.............