August 28, 2008

Child with Cerebral Palsy - A Common Find

The cerebral palsy or CP as it is commonly called is referred to as a group of chronic disorders that affects the muscle movement and co-ordination during the birth or after a few days of birth in a child. The reason for the disorder is not exactly known. But studies reveal that the CP could happen to a person having a lack of supply of oxygen to the brain or an accident, which could affect the infant's brain. In adults along with these two major reasons it could be a vascular disorder also.

Causes of the disorder in a child:

Although the causes for CP are not known, studies reveal that Cerebral Palsy could happen to a child where there is lack of supply to his brain, an accident in which an injury to the brain is caused, premature birth, medical casualness while delivery of the child, infection to the brain, very low birth rate, bleeding in the brain, shaking the baby in order to make him asleep and many more reasons. There are many cases in which the causes are not known. Studies are on for the research and development of these causes and cure for it. A trauma and infection through various viruses is also one of the major reasons for a child to get affected with Cerebral Palsy.

Effects of CP on Children:

There are various effects are observed on children suffering from this deadly disorder. The effect depends on the severity of the disorder. If the effect is severe, then a child could also seem to be a mentally retarded one. The other effects observed are muscle paining, seizures, vision or speech or hearing disabilities, respiratory problems, and bowel problems, bone abnormalities and mental retardation. Babies suffering with CP are often slow to reach the developmental milestones, such as rolling, sitting crawling or walking. The posture of the child is affected because of weakening of limbs and muscles. The child has communication problems with other people as its speech is affected. Some times the behavior is also abnormal. A child affected with this disorder can live a life not more than twenty to twenty- five years from his current age.

Cerebral Palsy is a non- progressive and a non-communicable disorder. It cannot be cured either. However steps can be taken to reduce the effect of the disorder. A good guidance from the physicians and psychiatrists could see them live a productive life.

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