A common group of movement disorders, cerebral palsy may affect people’s movement, posture and balance. Occurring because of brain damage or abnormalities to the developing brain, this condition typically begins to manifest during the first months after birth or in early childhood.
When children get diagnosed with cerebral palsy, their parents’ minds may fill with frequently asked questions.
What causes cerebral palsy?
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, children may develop cerebral palsy due to a range of risk factors that may cause brain damage or developmental abnormalities. These factors may include maternal infections, birth complications, early birth, low birth weight and certain maternal health problems during pregnancy. By following the established procedures and providing the appropriate level of care, physicians may help prevent some of these risk factors and avoid children suffering the damage that may cause cerebral palsy.
What symptoms does cerebral palsy cause?
Depending on factors such as the type and severity of their conditions, those with cerebral palsy may experience a range of symptoms. For example, people may develop increased muscle tone, have stiff muscles, make awkward movements, have trouble controlling their limbs, struggle to balance or have coordination difficulties due to the various types of cerebral palsy.
How do doctors treat cerebral palsy?
According to MayoClinic.org, a team of medical professionals typically participate in treating patients with cerebral palsy. Children and adults with this motor disorder may work with a primary care physician, a physiatrist, a neurologist, and various physical and mental health therapists. Patients with cerebral palsy may receive medications, which may include muscle or nerve injections and oral muscle relaxants, to help control their symptoms. Physical, occupational, speech and language, and recreational therapies may help people with cerebral palsy retain and enhance their muscle functions and learn adaptive techniques for their everyday lives.
Infants who suffer birth injuries that cause cerebral palsy may require lifelong treatment and care for their conditions. Therefore, the parents of children with cerebral palsy who believe a medical mistake contributed to the development of their kids’ conditions may consider pursuing compensatory damages on their children’s behalf.