Sensory Issues & Their Effect on Cerebral Palsy

Sensory issues refer to problems relating to seeing, hearing, feeling and smelling. People with cerebral palsy (CP), a neurological disorder that affects body movement and muscle coordination, are prone to sensory issues.

Connection

• Sensory issues are caused by a traumatic head injury. Cerebral palsy is a result of brain damage caused by birth complications, fetal damage or traumatic head injury at an early age. The similar cause is why sensory issues are linked to cerebral palsy.

Sensory Issues Related to CP

• Sensory issues can lead to poor hand-eye coordination, balance problems and pain or itchiness in CP patients.

Considerations

• Due to problems caused by sensory issues, people with cerebral palsy may have trouble with activities such as driving and playing sports.

Treatment

• Treatment of these issues varies. Sensory integration therapy can be used to improve the senses or teach a person to adapt to her sensory issues.

Sensory Integration Therapy

• Sensory integration therapy aims to improve the senses through stimulation. Styrofoam chips and textured toys are examples of equipment used in sensory integration therapy.