Physical Development of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP), a neurological disorder which effects body movement and muscle coordination, is not a progressive disease. However, CP can leave a person more vulnerable to secondary conditions, like tight muscles and internal stress, during adulthood.

Diagnosis

• Delay in gross motor skills, like crawling and walking, commonly leads a concerned parent to take her child to the doctor. There, the doctor is likely to recognize the early symptoms of CP, leading to the diagnosis of cerebral palsy.

Symptoms

• Poor balance, awkward gait (manner in which you walk), and weaker upper body strength are among the common symptoms of cerebral palsy. The most severe cases of CP may include symptoms like seizures, bowel control problems and inability to walk.

Prognosis

• The prognosis of cerebral palsy is the majority of children born with the disability will reach adulthood. Somebody with a mild form of cerebral palsy may get along in society with only slight awkwardness while others with severe cases of CP may require lifelong care.

Adulthood

• A person with cerebral palsy uses three to five more times the energy than the average person in order to maneuver around. This can cause organs to age quicker leaving CP patients more vulnerable to health problems.

Treatment

• There are plenty of cerebral palsy treatment methods to aid in improving the physical abilities of those with CP. Orthotic braces and physical therapy are among these treatment options.