Cerebral Palsy

Ellorine Carle

Mr. Holley

Human Interaction 3°

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Scientific Defintion:“A form of paralysis believed to be caused by aprenatal brain defect or by brain injury duringbirth, most marked in certain motor areas and

characterized by difficulty in control ofthe voluntary muscles.”

Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cerebral+palsy.com

UMM…what does that exactly mean?

Name refers to all conditions that affect and damage the brain before birth-does not include

developmental diseases Can be caused by brain

damage during birth Child cannot control his/her

body movements Is NOT a disease, so it can’t

spread to others No cure

Sources: Salem Health and Britannica Online

Diagnosis

Affects child before 1 month of age, but is unnoticeable

Usually detected after 18 to 24 months of age

Problems with bodily functions may not be apparent until usage is required

Neurologial Exam and cognitive test (in elderly) is necessary for diagnosis

Source: Salem Health

Symptoms-Physical Appearance Abnormal walk or

movement of hands, arms, feet or legs

Uncoordinated Learning disabilities

possible Speech, hearing, or vision

problems Seizures Problems swallowing foodSource:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001734/

Symptoms-Continued..

Symptoms are usually noticed before 2 years of age

Can only involve one side of the body Child has difficulty performing tasks

-sitting

-rolling

-crawling

-walking

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001734/

Life Long Effects/Impacts

Life expectancy can be the same as a “normal” person, as long as given correct care

No cure, but treatment to improve daily life Glasses, Hearing Aids, Muscle/Bone Braces,

Walking Aids, and Wheelchairs can help with learning and mobility

Many adults are able to live with Cerebral Palsyindependently or in a group home; serious

cases can result in placement in an institution.Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001734/

Treatment/Therapy Physical and orthopedic

therapy can help with daily activites

Medications and surgery may also be needed or helpful

Neural Stem Cell Therapy is being developed to “reverse” condition; it is not in use yet

Other therapies/treatments which can improve some symptoms

Source: cerebralpalsy.org

In Conclusion…

Although Cerebral Palsy is uncurable, people can still live

semi to fully independent depending on effectiveness of

therapy and treatment.

Bibliography

cerebralpalsy.org

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001734

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001734/

Salem Health

Britannica Online

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cerebral+palsy.com