Cerebral Palsy Statistics |
Cerebral palsy continues to affect thousands of newborns
in the United States alone. Although there still isn't a cure for cerebral
palsy, several treatments and options are widely available to patients. This
article will show you cerebral palsy statistics and studies surrounding the
development of cerebral palsy.
So just how many individuals are affected by cerebral
palsy? Cerebral palsy statistics show that in the United States alone, around
500,000 children and adults have symptoms of cerebral palsy. In recent
statistics close to 8,000 babies and infants are diagnosed with cerebral palsy
every year. Furthermore, there are about 1,200 to 1,500 preschool age children
diagnosed with cerebral palsy each year.
Studies show that there are several symptoms that
indicate cerebral palsy in children. Cerebral palsy statistics show that common
symptoms are uncontrolled muscular reactions, difficulty in sucking, stiffness
in the muscles, problems with chewing and swallowing, difficulty speaking and
problems focusing. Problems in sensing things by touch, vision and hearing are
also common symptoms of cerebral palsy in children.
Now there have been many studies surrounding alcohol
consumption during pregnancy and cerebral palsy. However, they are not yet
conclusive about how safe it is to consume alcohol in any amount. It is still
highly stressed that women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant avoid
alcohol consumption until after the baby is born.
Studies show that alcohol can affect the development of
the baby in the womb. To prevent cerebral palsy, you should make sure that your
baby is not exposed to the negative effects of alcohol. What alcohol does is
force the unborn baby to fight its effects while he or she is still growing and
developing in the womb. Studies suggest that the consumption of alcohol and/or
drugs can seriously affect blood vessels, the nervous system and internal organs
and result in brain damage and low birth weight.
Smoking should be another concern during pregnancy.
Studies have shown that smoking can have ill effects in the overall development
of the unborn child. Cerebral palsy statistics show that 1 out of every 500
babies is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, so one should avoid taking in
potentially dangerous substances during or shortly before pregnancy.
Several studies already suggest that smoking cigarettes
just do not go with birthing a healthy baby. Healthcare professionals often
advise women who plan to get pregnant to have a break from smoking for at least
9 months. Statistics show that expecting mothers who do not smoke have healthier
babies.
Taking illegal drugs during and shortly before pregnancy
are widely known to cause serious ill effects to the unborn child. Drugs like
cocaine have the ability to decrease the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the
developing child in the womb. This could result in low birth rate. Studies have
indicated that lack of oxygen and a low birth weight in babies pose an increased
risk for cerebral palsy.
Illegal drugs that are taken during pregnancy increases
the risk of permanent disabilities in a child. These disabilities include
cerebral palsy and hearing impairment. Even though there are just a few cerebral
palsy statistics, scientists and researchers have found that prevention is the
best form of treatment for cerebral palsy.
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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