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Cerebral Palsy & Ear Infections

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects body movement and muscle coordination. CP can develop from fetal damage, birth complications or a traumatic injury during early childhood. According to the book,"Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Parents' Guide," kids with cerebral palsy are more vulnerable to different health issues, including ear infections.

  1. Cause of Cerebral Palsy

    • Cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage. Fetal stroke, infection or fever can lead to the development of brain damage in the fetus. Birth complications, such as a lack of oxygen at birth, is another way the brain damage associated with cerebral palsy is developed. Brain damage can develop after birth from a traumatic injury. An automobile accident and child abuse are examples of how this traumatic injury can take place.

    Diagnosis of CP

    • According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, delay in gross motor skills, such as crawling and walking, is usually the first indicator of cerebral palsy. Doctors can do various neurological tests to confirm a diagnosis of CP.

    Ear Infections

    • Ear infections are caused by tubes in the ear becoming filled with fluid and mucus. Hearing difficulties can result from ear infections.

    The Connection

    • The brain damage in children with CP makes children with cerebral palsy more vulnerable than other children to hearing problems, according to the book "Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Parents' Guide." Due to possible pre-existing hearing problems, ear infections are harder to diagnosis in the CP population.

    Significance

    • If untreated ear infections can lead to permanent hearing damage. For those with cerebral palsy this adds to other difficulties such as communicating clearly, vision problems and maneuvering around safely.

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