Cerebral Palsy
Exposure to certain infections during pregnancy, fetal stroke, or other rare conditions cause 2 to 4 babies out of 1000 to be born with cerebral palsy (CP). Occasionally a stroke, severe infection or severe jaundice shortly after birth may also cause the syndrome. People with cerebral palsy have very poor coordination, muscle spasms, drooling, problems speaking and swallowing. There is no cure, but various therapies can help.
Although people with CP may have other conditions, including mental retardation, most people with CP are not mentally retarded. Treatment may include muscle relaxants, surgery, and physical therapy.
Recently Answered
- Q Will my child with cerebral palsy have seizures?
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Some children with cerebral palsy experience seizures. However, seizures do not occur in all children with cerebral palsy. Seizures are more commonly associated with some kind of cerebral palsy than others, so talk to your doctor if you think your child... Full Answer
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- Q Can adults get cerebral palsy?
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Cerebral palsy refers to brain damage that occurs before a child is five years old. Therefore, adults cannot develop cerebral palsy. However, cerebral palsy does not get better or worse with age, so when a child has the condition, he or she will continue... Full Answer
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- Q How can I help my child with cerebral palsy become independent?
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The abilities of children with cerebral palsy vary greatly depending on the severity of the condition. Children with cerebral palsy should be encouraged to take care of themselves in ways that they are able. Cerebral palsy may make something as simple as... Full Answer
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- Q How soon after birth will I know if my child has cerebral palsy?
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While many cases of cerebral palsy happen before a child is born, it is difficult to tell right away whether a child has cerebral palsy. Symptoms start to show up in infancy and during the toddler years. If you child has difficulty developing motor... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage cerebral palsy on a daily basis?
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One major frustration of cerebral palsy is difficulty controlling muscles for everyday tasks, such as speech and walking. Someone with cerebral palsy may need therapy to improve these tasks. Seizures associated with cerebral palsy can be controlled with... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my doctor about cerebral palsy symptoms?
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If your child is showing signs of cerebral palsy, you need to talk to your doctor. Children with cerebral palsy who receive early intervention have a good chance of overcoming the obstacles of their condition. With the right treatment, your child may be... Full Answer
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