Cerebral Palsy Research Paper

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy (cp) was first identified in the 1860s and is one of the most common physical disabilities in the United States, defined by its various types, causes, treatments and legal rights of those with the condition.

Cerebral palsy is considered an umbrella term for a non-contagious, non-progressive neuro-muscular disorder that impairs standard muscle control. There are four main types with specific sub-types, depending on the area affected. Cerebral means ‘brain’ while palsy is n ‘paralysis.’ As fatal as it sounds, it is not a disease nor it killed anyone. It is a condition.

The brain is one of the most baffling things in known science; it is an archive of human thought and direction. The brain does not only store

memories, but also coordinate bodily movement and posture from its motor areas, the nervous and muscle systems. These two complex networks entwined together throughout the body; the first composes of millions of nerves continuously exchanging messages between the brain, enabling the body to react to the outside world. The muscular system also contributes in terms of position and movement in that environment. For example, someone sees a ball rolling; the brain quickly receives information on the object, and sends another message through the nerves to the muscles. Thus, the person can kick, throw or hold the ball standing up. These actions are controlled by the motor cortex of the brain; when the motor cortex is damaged or undeveloped, the body’s ability to move or position correctly is affected. For example, the person may not react fast enough to a rolling ball even if he or she sees it.
Cerebral palsy has four types, along with subtypes. The first is called spastic, meaning stiffness of the muscles. There are five ways it can affect the body: biplegia (where both arms or legs are affected); hemiplegia (where one side is affected); quadplegia (where all four limbs are affected) and more rarely, triplegia (three limbs are affected) and monoplegia (only one limb affected). The second, Athetoid (also called dystonic) ranges variously in rigidity; muscles may be very twisty, or repetitive in mobility. The three other types are athetoid, ataxic, and mixed.

Because of many limitations, cerebral palsy is chronic or lifelong and management early on and after can help make life easier.

Treatments composed of various therapies, surgeries, medications, and use of assistive devices. The family doctor is likely to suggest specialists who deal with cerebral palsy and its associative conditions. A special medical care team is assembled to help those with CP and their families. The team is composed of professionals each with a specific job to help manage, care and guide the person and family successfully. It may include the doctor him or herself; the pediatric neurologist or neurologist; speech therapist; physical therapist; occupational therapist; orthopedic surgeon; a nutritionist; developmental specialist; and a social worker; a dentist; a nurse; a psychiatrist and the parents themselves.

Those with cerebral palsy have many health conditions related to the disorder. It includes respiratory, learning, growth, and cognitive (mental) disabilities that required specialists to help manage it. A nutritionist can help deal with eating habits and a psychiatrist can guide the person and family to cope CP emotionally and effectively. A neurologist for example can help determine the spasticity and treatment for a type of cerebral

palsy.
One of the most common therapies used for CP is physical therapy (PT).
Medications are taken after orthopedic surgeries to reduce pain and muscle stiffness. Some are useful for controlling seizures. Although many therapies are beneficial, not everyone with cerebral palsy will have them based on unique needs or on where they live.
Assistive devices are special equipment used by people with cerebral palsy for day-to-day basis.
Legal rights did not come quickly to people with disabilities, including those with cerebral palsy. Long ago, the treatment of the disabled in society was based on neglect and prejudice. People with mental and physical disabilities were shoved into institutions from public view; sometimes families were ashamed of the disability in their child or relative and effortlessly concealed the fact from the outside. Many faced discrimination no matter where they went. They wouldn’t even have access to medical care. Doctors then did not have the full knowledge or comprehension for every condition that affected the body differently nor had any technology to treat it. They would assume the person was beyond recovery, and sent him or her off to an institution. Children of course couldn’t even go to school because of the perceived view that they would not have capabilities to catch up with their able-bodied counterparts in the classroom. Instead they would be sent to special schools without any say. Adults could not get a job if they were disabled in any way. Gradually, change allowed those with disabilities to attend schools and get jobs – change that took legal measures.