Cerebral Palsy And Fatigue |
Cerebral palsy is said to originate when oxygen is
blocked off the motor cells in the brain of an infant. When damage occurs in the
brain during the first two years of life, it cannot be reversed. However,
therapy or surgery can relieve symptoms of cerebral palsy. One of the most
common symptoms of cerebral palsy is fatigue. This article will focus mainly on
cerebral palsy and fatigue.
Individuals who have cerebral palsy often complain about
being tired all the time. They also often complain about pain and other symptoms
that come with overall tiredness. This is most probably why many of those who
have the cerebral disorder tend to have functional issues at work. The everyday
challenges of one with a cerebral disorder are different from those of one who
doesn't. This is mainly because cerebral palsy and fatigue often go hand in
hand.
Over 50 percent of adults who have cerebral palsy
experience post-impairment syndrome. This is means that you may experience a
combination of fatigue, pain and weakness. All these symptoms are likely to be
caused by bone deformities, muscle abnormalities and arthritis. People with
cerebral palsy use up to 3 to 5 times the amount of energy other people use when
moving around. So it is oftentimes very difficult to function properly at work
or in school.
There are other symptoms associated with cerebral palsy
and fatigue. An individual with cerebral palsy may become depressed or
experience mental health issues as he or she grows older. Statistics show that
people with disabilities like cerebral palsy are 3 to 4 times more likely to
become depressed. Depression can definitely affect a person's levels of energy
during the day. Sometimes an individual with cerebral palsy may even call in
sick for work more than is expected to keep a job.
Since cerebral palsy can also affect the bones and
muscles, one can experience extreme tiredness or weakness. Osteoarthritis and
degenerative arthritis are common among individuals with cerebral palsy. These
can lead to limited strength and movement, especially when nerve entrapments
occur. Other health conditions are definitely experienced by many of those who
have cerebral palsy.
Pain is another common complaint among those who have
cerebral palsy and fatigue. However this could be described as a different kind
of pain, since some individuals cannot seem to pinpoint the location of their
pain. The pain experienced can also be chronic or acute. Typical painful
locations are the knees, hips, upper and lower back and ankles. Painful symptoms
can eventually cause fatigue. It is said that the best way to combat these
symptoms is through preventative treatment. This may mean correcting muscle and
skeletal abnormalities early on and avoiding situations where stress and strain
can build up.
Drugs can be taken to handle fatigue. This is of course
if your doctor prescribes them. A drug called modafinil is known to reduce
fatigue in individuals who have cerebral palsy. It can therefore improve
endurance. Studies have shown that the drug is also used to treat fatigue
associated with sclerosis (also linked to cerebral palsy) and is beneficial to
one's mood and overall quality of life.
Cerebral palsy is not life threatening and isn't
considered a condition that prevents one from having a long and good quality
life. Cerebral palsy and fatigue can be treated with the right administration
and management.
Cerebral Palsy Therapy Tip #1
Get Help – Taking care of someone with cerebral palsy is a lot of hard work. Occasionally you have to take a break and spend some time alone. Ask family and friends for help and teach them how to do what you do so you can get away for a while. |
Cerebral Palsy Therapy Tip #2
Stay Positive - Cerebral palsy is not a disease and will not get progressively worse. Accepting the condition for what it is and keeping a positive outlook will make life easier for you and the person you are caring for. |
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