What does cerebral palsy look like?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills. It’s caused by damage to the developing brain either during pregnancy or shortly after birth. CP can range from mild to severe, with symptoms varying greatly between individuals.

The 4 types of cerebral palsy

There are four main types of CP, each affecting different parts of the body in different ways.

Spastic CP

Spastic CP is the most common type and accounts for around 70% of cases. Those who experience spastic CP may have stiffness or tightness of their muscles, causing difficulty moving and performing fine motor tasks.

Athetoid CP

Athetoid CP affects approximately 20% of people with cerebral palsy. Its defining characteristic is unpredictable movements caused by involuntary contractions of muscles throughout the body.

Ataxic CP

Ataxic CP affects coordination and balance, making it difficult for those affected to walk without assistance or perform precise hand movements.

Mixed CP

Mixed-type CP refers to those who experience two or more forms simultaneously.

Visible signs & Symptoms

Indicators relatedly linked with this condition include:

  • Muscle weakness: Depending on which limbs are affected an individual sporting spasticity may only use one arm regularly leading up till adulthood.
  • Difficulty walking: An ordinary stride comprising opposites sides swinging harmoniously isn’t possible since they sway stiffly towards one side – hips appearing lopsided.
  • Speech difficulties: Trouble speaking fluently might be observed; mostly slurred words due in part to poor breath control owing partially their weakened torso muscles as seen in persons living moderate/severe cause(s).
  • Lack Of Control Over Muscles (spasms): Muscle spasms could disrupt regular activities e.g., driving /writing smoothly because unexpected jerks at odd times control arm movement instead.

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy can have several causes, many of which are preventable. Some factors that may lead to brain damage in infants and young children include:

  • Infections: Infections during pregnancy or infancy such as meningitis, encephalitis, or sepsis can cause inflammation of the brain resulting in cerebral palsy.
  • Lack Of Oxygen: When oxygen is cut off from the developing fetus even momentarily because of premature birth /difficult delivery.
  • Genetic Factors: Certain genetic mutations can put a child at risk of developing cerebral palsy.

Living with CP

Living with CP means adapting to physical challenges but not failing to find joy in activities like swimming/dancing. Many individuals living with this condition graduate high schools/colleges while others go on to become Paralympic athletes – Jessica Long who was born without her lower legs yet became a record-holding swimmer . It’s essential we never overlook these triumphs over adversity shouldn’t one ever feel sorry as self-doubt only complicates things further.

Support groups

Support group for persons living w/ having CP, assistance dogs prove helpful too! Stripping away any potential limits imposed by your disability will be achieved through connecting w/people amidst similar circumstances – education forums/disability rights rallies broadening scope.

As evident above, cerebral palsy manifests differently across cases profiled within different age ranges – comprising symptoms making age-appropriate adaptations necessary when devising interventions supporting afflicted individuals facing distinctive obstacles. While life doesn’t always deal us favorable situations so does prevailing regardless even if physicality may pose timeless difficulties e.g daily commute unobstructed walking alongside peers — ultimately living full lives albeit something tangible they carry & present broadly shaping individual character made resilient each step along their unique journey towards realizing self-potential.

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