Symptom Causes and Origins
Cerebral palsy happens when a baby suffers from some form of brain damage. It is possible that the condition could have developed in the mother’s womb or while the mother is giving birth. In a lot of cases, the disorder only becomes apparent after a few months or years. A few babies or toddlers may show cerebral palsy symptoms only after having experienced accidents, head trauma or infections. Sometimes, severe rough handling of a child could cause damage to the brain, which could lead to cerebral palsy.
Signs and Symptoms
There are many signs and symptoms that accompany cerebral palsy. They depend on the particular type of cerebral palsy that a child has. These signs and symptoms are not contagious and do not become worse through time. Here are possible manifestations to watch out for:
· Those with the ataxia type of cerebral palsy have problems balancing themselves. Their voluntary muscle coordination also suffers. Hence, they may not be able to move properly as intended.
· Dyskinetic cerebral palsy symptoms are more common than ataxic symptoms. A child may show wriggling and jerky movements or slow movement. Facial muscles may be distorted which may result in speech problems and saliva dripping. An affected child may eventually lose his sense of hearing.
· Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type. In this type of cerebral palsy, the muscles of the limbs stiffen. It is possible that only one to three limbs are affected. It is also possible however for all limbs to be affected. The more limbs affected, the more likely are learning problems to arise. Depending on the number of limbs affected, a child could have crossed knees, bent feet, limb tremors and seizures. A child could also show a scissors’ gait and hearing problems.
· In some cases, cerebral palsy symptoms are mixed. In addition to those already mentioned above, a child could also experience muscle floppiness, poor bladder control, foot dragging, problems in swallowing, sight problems and problems with fine motor movements.
· Some children may have mental retardation. This however, is not always the case.
It is not easy to be told that one’s child has cerebral palsy symptoms. Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition in which a child has some problems with muscle control. Hence, a child’s ability to move is affected. There is no cure for this disorder. Nonetheless, parents need to be aware of its symptoms. Detecting its signs and symptoms will allow early treatment to help manage the condition.
Symptom Causes and Origins
Cerebral palsy happens when a baby suffers from some form of brain damage. It is possible that the condition could have developed in the mother’s womb or while the mother is giving birth. In a lot of cases, the disorder only becomes apparent after a few months or years. A few babies or toddlers may show cerebral palsy symptoms only after having experienced accidents, head trauma or infections. Sometimes, severe rough handling of a child could cause damage to the brain, which could lead to cerebral palsy.
Signs and Symptoms
There are many signs and symptoms that accompany cerebral palsy. They depend on the particular type of cerebral palsy that a child has. These signs and symptoms are not contagious and do not become worse through time. Here are possible manifestations to watch out for:
· Those with the ataxia type of cerebral palsy have problems balancing themselves. Their voluntary muscle coordination also suffers. Hence, they may not be able to move properly as intended.
· Dyskinetic cerebral palsy symptoms are more common than ataxic symptoms. A child may show wriggling and jerky movements or slow movement. Facial muscles may be distorted which may result in speech problems and saliva dripping. An affected child may eventually lose his sense of hearing.
· Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type. In this type of cerebral palsy, the muscles of the limbs stiffen. It is possible that only one to three limbs are affected. It is also possible however for all limbs to be affected. The more limbs affected, the more likely are learning problems to arise. Depending on the number of limbs affected, a child could have crossed knees, bent feet, limb tremors and seizures. A child could also show a scissors’ gait and hearing problems.
· In some cases, cerebral palsy symptoms are mixed. In addition to those already mentioned above, a child could also experience muscle floppiness, poor bladder control, foot dragging, problems in swallowing, sight problems and problems with fine motor movements.
· Some children may have mental retardation. This however, is not always the case.
Associated Problems
A child who has cerebral palsy may develop other problems. If he is unable to chew and swallow his food for example, he may end up underfed and suffering from nutrient deficiencies. Long term involuntary movements, seizures and difficulty moving could lead to damages to the bones or joints.
Some parents may think it overwhelming having to deal with cerebral palsy symptoms. Managing the condition however, is not impossible. A child may have to receive continuous and varied forms of therapy as well as attention from doctors and special educators.
A child who has cerebral palsy may develop other problems. If he is unable to chew and swallow his food for example, he may end up underfed and suffering from nutrient deficiencies. Long term involuntary movements, seizures and difficulty moving could lead to damages to the bones or joints.
Some parents may think it overwhelming having to deal with cerebral palsy symptoms. Managing the condition however, is not impossible. A child may have to receive continuous and varied forms of therapy as well as attention from doctors and special educators.
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.