Cerebral palsy (CP), caused by damage or abnormal development of the brain, results in difficulties coordinating and controlling muscles. Symptoms of CP generally appear in early childhood or infancy. While the symptoms vary from person to person, CP may impact hearing, vision, bladder and bowel control, muscle control, balance, posture, swallowing, mental capacity, digestion, speech and walking. In the United States, approximately 1 million people of all ages are affected by cerebral palsy.
Infancy
Infants and babies with CP often miss meeting expected milestones such as controlling the head, reaching for objects, rolling over, sitting, standing and walking. They may also be overly stiff or floppy in their movements or develop a right- or left-handedness before the age of two. Parents noticing any of these symptoms should talk with their child's medical care provider about their concerns. This is especially important if a child was premature, had a low birth weight or was subject to complications during pregnancy or birth.
Childhood
As a baby with signs of CP or a CP diagnosis grows into childhood, their symptoms and their severity will become more apparent. Early intervention for needed therapies is recommended. Many issues relating to cerebral palsy may be mitigated or overcome with early treatment. While every child living with CP is different, some of the types of therapies available for CP include occupational, physical and speech therapies, along with medications, assistive devices and surgery. Parents should also work with their child's school to provide necessary accommodations to help their child meet her highest abilities.
Adulthood
Cerebral palsy treatment goals focus on helping individuals live as independently as possible. Many adults with CP live regular lives with jobs, families, hobbies and normal life expectancies. Others require physical care in assisted living settings. Adults living with CP may lose some of their mobility, and some physical challenges such as fatigue, decrease in strength and increased spasticity may increase. To counteract this, adults with CP are encouraged to maintain a program of exercise and to eat healthy meals.
