What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement, balance, and posture.
What causes cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth.
What are the symptoms of cerebral palsy?
The symptoms of cerebral palsy include difficulty with movement, balance, and posture; muscle weakness or stiffness; and abnormal reflexes.
What are the different types of cerebral palsy?
The different types of cerebral palsy include spastic, athetoid, ataxic, and mixed.
What is spasticity in cerebral palsy?
Spasticity in cerebral palsy is a type of muscle stiffness that results from damage to the brain's motor cortex.
What is spastic cerebral palsy?
Spastic cerebral palsy is a type of cerebral palsy in which there is muscular stiffness and difficulty with movement.
What is spastic diplegia cerebral palsy?
Spastic diplegia cerebral palsy is a type of cerebral palsy in which there is stiffness and weakness in the legs.
What is athetoid cerebral palsy?
Athetoid cerebral palsy is a type of cerebral palsy in which there are involuntary writhing movements and muscle tone changes.
What is cerebral palsy with spastic quadriplegia?
Cerebral palsy with spastic quadriplegia is a type of cerebral palsy in which there is spasticity and weakness in all four limbs.
Can cerebral palsy be cured?
There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but early and ongoing treatment can improve function and quality of life.
What are some treatments for cerebral palsy?
Treatments for cerebral palsy may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medications, and surgery.
What is the prognosis for cerebral palsy?
The prognosis for cerebral palsy depends on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. With appropriate treatment, many people with cerebral palsy are able to live independent, fulfilling lives.
What complications can occur with cerebral palsy?
Complications of cerebral palsy may include vision and hearing problems, seizures, intellectual disability, and difficulty with communication and social interactions.
Is cerebral palsy hereditary?
Cerebral palsy is not typically hereditary, although there may be a genetic component in some cases.
What are some risk factors for cerebral palsy?
Risk factors for cerebral palsy include premature birth, low birth weight, multiple births, and infection during pregnancy.
Can cerebral palsy be prevented?
Some cases of cerebral palsy may be preventable with proper medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.
What is the life expectancy for someone with cerebral palsy?
Life expectancy for people with cerebral palsy is generally the same as for the general population, although it may be slightly lower in severe cases.
What are some adaptive technologies that can help people with cerebral palsy?
Adaptive technologies that can help people with cerebral palsy include motorized wheelchairs, communication devices, and computer accessories designed for people with disabilities.
What is the prevalence of cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy affects approximately 1 in 345 children in the United States.
Can cerebral palsy be diagnosed during pregnancy?
Cerebral palsy cannot be definitively diagnosed during pregnancy, but some risk factors may indicate an increased likelihood of the condition.
What is the difference between cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy?
Cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement, balance, and posture, while muscular dystrophy is a disorder of muscle weakness and degeneration.
What is the difference between cerebral palsy and Down syndrome?
Cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement, balance, and posture, while Down syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability and physical features such as a small head and upward slanting eyes.
What is the difference between cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis?
Cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement, balance, and posture, while multiple sclerosis is a disorder of the nervous system that can cause a wide range of symptoms including muscle weakness, tremors, and difficulty with coordination.
What is the difference between cerebral palsy and epilepsy?
Cerebral palsy is a disorder of movement, balance, and posture, while epilepsy is a disorder of the brain that can cause seizures.
Can people with cerebral palsy have children?
People with cerebral palsy can have children, although some may require certain accommodations or assistance with pregnancy and childbirth.
Does cerebral palsy affect intelligence?
Cerebral palsy does not necessarily affect intelligence, although some people with cerebral palsy may have intellectual disability as a result of brain damage.
What is the age of onset for cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is typically diagnosed in infancy or early childhood, but the age of onset may vary depending on the underlying cause.
What are some common causes of cerebral palsy?
Common causes of cerebral palsy include brain damage from a lack of oxygen during birth, infections during pregnancy, and head injuries.
What is tone management in cerebral palsy?
Tone management in cerebral palsy involves techniques to manage muscle stiffness or spasticity, including stretching, physical therapy, and medications.
Can cerebral palsy be acquired later in life?
Cerebral palsy is typically diagnosed in infancy or early childhood and is not generally acquired later in life.