Helpful QA Cerebral Palsy

There is so much that is not known about the human body and genetics. People constantly ask themselves why things happen to people or why people are diagnosed with a severe disease or illness. It is human nature to question these things. Individuals that suffer from cerebral palsy are often faced with huge misconceptions because many people do not know what the disease is and how it affects the afflicted. It can cause huge stereotypes and a general fear because it is something unknown. If more people took the time to learn what this disease is and how it works, the more people would understand it and stop fearing it. Granted, it is a debilitating disease but it does not mean the end of the world. This article will cover some of the more common questions that can arise. It can help educate you on what cerebral palsy is and how it affects individuals.

How is cerebral palsy classified?

There are three major classifications for cerebral palsy. These are: spastic, ataxic and athetoid/dyskinetic. Each has certain characteristics such as how the muscle tone is affected or the degree to which they are impaired. When a child begins to manifest symptoms, usually before a year of age, the doctors will begin to run tests to determine what type of CP the child is suffering from. And depending on the type, therapy and drug treatment may begin. It is possible for a person to be classified under one type but actually suffer from another as well.  

What are symptoms of cerebral palsy?

There are many symptoms for cerebral palsy and some are more common than others. Muscle tone that is abnormal is one that is found in all types of CP. Other symptoms include poor reflexes, motor development, coordination and spasms. Spasms are probably one of the most classical findings that lead doctors to start investigating deeper. Also the way in which a child walks can be an indicator. If they do "scissor walking" as in when the knees come in and then cross it is a sign. More often than not it is the motor dysfunctions that are the classical clues in diagnosing someone with CP. The more unnoticeable the movements or lack of coordination is, the harder it is to diagnose a patient with CP. As the child grows older speech and language problems can be symptoms that doctors look for. Secondary symptoms may fall in the range of learning disabilities to seizures.

Once diagnosed with cerebral palsy, does the condition worsen over time?

No, cerebral palsy itself does not progress. The damage to the neurological system does not become worse over time like many other disorders. However, the symptom can worsen because of damage done to the bones and musculature. That is why so many patients with CP must continue to see orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists throughout their lives.

What are some common misconceptions regarding individuals diagnosed with cerebral palsy?

There are two predominantly huge misconceptions regarding people who have cerebral palsy. The first is that they are intellectually inferior. The gamut of intelligence in CP patients varies just as much as it does in someone who does not have CP. There are those that function at a genius level and those that have severe learning disabilities. The second is that a CP patient cannot live and function on his or her own. Nothing could be farther from the truth. There are many CP patients that live full, productive lives on their own. They may need special devices to help them such as a walker, a voice synthesizer or a standing frame but they can live on their own and take care of themselves.

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