Cerebral palsy refers to a cluster of disorders that affect body movement, mobility and muscle tone. It is caused by brain infections or injury, usually before birth. Patients with cerebral palsy may find themselves in need of aids such as glasses, braces, hearing aids or a wheelchair in order to function as fully as possible.
Life
Cerebral palsy does not reduce the patient's life expectancy.
Time
Because cerebral palsy is caused by a brain injury that does not change, its symptoms usually do not worsen over time.
Deformity
Because cerebral palsy creates abnormal muscle tone and tightness, the muscles may involuntarily pull so hard on bones that joint deformities or dislocation may result.
Nutrition
The chronic difficulty with swallowing and sucking that is sometimes associated with cerebral palsy may lead to poor nutritional intake. Feeding tubes may be necessary.
Stigma
Because of cerebral palsy's obvious, visible effects and sometimes involuntary muscle movements, some people may attach a social stigma to palsy patients.
Bowels
Bowel obstruction is a possible complication of cerebral palsy, which may also lead to long-term bowel difficulties such as constipation.
