Cerebral palsy refers to a debilitating disease that affects coordination and muscle movement. According to the Mayo Clinic, two to four out of every 1,000 births in the United States and Europe result in a baby with cerebral palsy.
Symptoms
According to Medline Plus, symptoms of cerebral palsy include spasticity (stiff muscles), ataxia (lack of muscle coordination), abnormal movements, and problems with walking, drooling and speaking. Symptoms are different in each person depending on the extent of the disease.
Cause
Abnormalities and injuries to the brain cause cerebral palsy. This damage can occur in the womb or months to years after birth. Infections like the chickenpox, and brain injuries due to the lack of oxygen or stroke, can also cause cerebral palsy, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Treatment
There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but treatments exist to help a child be independent, according to Medline Plus. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, medications to relax muscles, and surgery are a few of the treatment options.
Prevention
Since cerebral palsy can develop while the baby is in the womb, it is important for the mother to obtain proper prenatal care and to receive immunizations, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Prognosis
According to Medline Plus, cerebral palsy is a chronic condition, but it does not usually shorten life.
