Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term for a group of disorders apparent in the first few years of life, resulting from brain injury occurring in development. The disorder is common in two to four of 1,000 births in Europe and the United States, according to the Mayo Clinic. Cerebral palsy affects the body by impairing movement and causing muscles to become weak and flaccid or stiff and firm. Other complications include intellectual impairment, vision and hearing impairments and seizures.
Intellectual Impairments
One of the complications associated with cerebral palsy is intellectual impairment. This symptom mildly affects a third of those with cerebral palsy, according to the Neurology Channel. Approximately a third of others have more moderate to severe intellectual impairments. These impairments might affect the individual's ability to read, write, learn and comprehend basic information. These complications are likely present with motor skills impairments, according to Sheena L. Carter assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine.
Seizures
Seizures are a scary phenomenon, involving various areas of the brain, depending upon the type of seizure. Partial seizures are restricted to one part of the brain and can vary in degree from simple to complex. Simple seizures produce chewing movements, numbness or tingling, muscle twitching, bowel or bladder loss and convulsive body movements. Tonic-clonic seizures cause changes in the entire brain, resulting in emotional behaviors, loss of consciousness, rapid uncontrolled body movements and loss of bowel and bladder control.
Vision and Hearing Impairments
Vision and hearing impairments are another complication occurring in cerebral palsy. These problems are more likely among those with cerebral palsy than those without the disorder, according to the Neurological Channel. Weakened eye muscles, causing the eyes to cross, can cause vision problems. This condition is called strabismus. Eye patching and surgery may help correct the condition.
Incontinence
Incontinence results from loss of control of the bladder muscles. This complication can be corrected with various therapies and medical interventions. Exercises, prescription drugs and surgery are options for treating incontinence.
Swallowing Difficulties
Eating and swallowing difficulties are complications seen in cerebral palsy. Physical therapy and practical interventions like repositioning while feeding and preparing pureed foods for easy consumption can help make meals less complicated. Severe swallowing difficulties require a feeding tube.
