Cerebral Palsy Research Paper

802 Words2 Pages

Madison Nielson
?Cerebral Palsy? ? Term 2 Project
12.20.16
6 When your child has a brain injury or doesn?t grow like it should, it can lead to a disorder known as Cerebral Palsy. CP, as referred to, not only effects the brain, but also body movement and posture; (Stern). In the United States, alone, about 500,000 kids and adults have CP, or show signs of having cerebral palsy. 8,000 become diagnosed with CP each year; (Texas Adoption Resource Exchange). There is no actual study about the life expectancy of CP. Most who are diagnosed with cerebral palsy generally live 30-70 years, depending on their CP condition; (Birth Injury Guide). Cerebral palsy is considered a genetic disorder because it is caused by an abnormality in the brain. …show more content…

The symptoms are poor coordination, stiff and weak muscles. It?s affects sensation, vision, hearing, swallowing, and speaking. About 1/3 of those with CP will end up having seizures; (Contributors). Seizures are brief moments of abnormal brain activity that causes your body to jerk or loss of awareness; (Contributors, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia). There are several sub-types known as spastic CP, ataxic CP and athetoid CP; (Contributors, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia). Under spastic, there are other sub-groups: hemiplegia, diplegia, monoplegia, triplegia, and quadriplegia. Hemiplegia is where the CP symptoms only affected one side. Diplegia has affected the lower part of their bodies. They are usually given walkers, crutches, canes, or even just orthotics to help them move around without bigger struggles. They often receive nearsightedness and strabismus, being cross eyed. Monoplegia is just one single limb has been affected. Triplegia is, obviously, three limbs have been affected. Quadriplegia is, also obvious, all four limbs have been affected. They are the least likely to walk because their muscles are too tight and impairs their normal movement; (Contributors, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia). Ataxic is the least frequent diagnosis of CP. Ataxic is damaged in the cerebellar structures of the brain causing damage to muscle movement and balance. They also experience problems with coordination in the arms, legs, and …show more content…

There are only long-term treatments such as therapies, drugs, and even surgery. Each treatment depends on the severity and types of CP the person has. Self-care includes physical exercise improving their cardiovascular health, but depends on CP and injury. It also includes special education, focuses on the individual as a student and gets them working in the different areas in need. Therapies include, occupational therapy, stretching, and physical therapy. These include, in order of list, improving daily living, flexibility, and muscle strength and function. Medications include muscle relaxants and sedatives. These will help them reduce muscle tension to relieve any pain they will have, and causes them calmness. Surgery is used to help them get food; gastrostomy. CP can affect their digestive system or swallowing in general. They will insert a tube through the abdomen and into stomach to give them their food easier. The only way to know what your child needs with his//her condition is to see a specialist; such as a pediatric neurologist, speech therapist, neurodevelopmental disabilities pediatrician, orthopedic surgeon, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurologist, pediatrician, and a primary care provider. Keep these people in touch; (Google

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