With many disabilities, there are different levels and types. Different ways that a disability might affect a person; emotionally, mentally, developmentally and physically.
Cerebral palsy is no different, and as it can vary from one person to the next, it can feel like an overload of information to truly understand it.
But, it’s important to learn about cerebral palsy so we can remove the stigma around it (and all disabilities) and improve how we support those who have this diagnosis.
Engaging with treatment and the right supports for cerebral palsy can be the difference between a good day, and a great one, but it’s not without its challenges.
So, let’s translate some of the research out there and find out more about cerebral palsy in this handy guide.
What is cerebral palsy?
Defining cerebral palsy can be complex so let’s break down each word first. Cerebral signifies it has something to do with the brain, whereas palsy signifies an issue with muscles, or a weakness.
So, from this, it makes sense that cerebral palsy (or CP for short) has to do with an impairment to the developing brain which affects control of one’s muscles.
The brain is damaged typically before birth, not after.
It can affect a person’s ability to:
- Move
- Maintain balance
- Maintain posture
But the symptoms are different for everyone who is diagnosed with CP, and these symptoms can change over time but it is not a degenerative condition. For example, one person might need equipment to assist their walking while another might find it hard to walk straight, and walk on their toes, as this is what feels comfortable for them.
Types of cerebral palsy
As mentioned above, CP affects movement of muscles or the control of muscles. There are a few variables that can affect how much your movement will be altered, though.
And, as CP is usually diagnosed in childhood, some symptoms might be so slight that they’re not noticeable until the child moves around a lot.
As these motor impairments might show up as different for each individual, it helps to use a scale, or a classification system known as the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Within this, there are 5 scales or 5 levels. 5 being the most severe, and 1 being the least severe.
The trouble with mild cerebral palsy, GMFCS level 1, is that it might go unnoticed for a while. This means treatment hasn’t been prescribed to best support an individual to navigate the world with this impairment of movement. This is why it’s good to understand signs and symptoms of not only GMFCS level 5, but level 1, too.
- Trouble walking: slight limp, bending on knees, toes pointing overtly inwards or outwards, walking on the heels or toes
- Low muscle tone: low strength and slow movements
- Involuntary movements, or tremors
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing: this might look like breathiness or slightly slurred speech
- Issues with fine motor skills: writing might be challenging, or holding a knife and fork comfortably
- Poor balance
- Lack of coordination
As you can see, some of the above could be so subtle that it would require a medical professional to confirm the diagnosis of CP.
Comorbidities of cerebral palsy
It is fairly common for someone diagnosed with CP to have other health-related conditions. This might include difficulty with speech or vision; seizures; joint issues; spinal issues; or difficulty hearing.
As these conditions can co-exist with a cerebral palsy diagnosis, it’s best to seek a treatment plan that works for all your diagnoses.
For a comprehensive treatment plan, you might need a team of specialists to ensure you have a great quality of life. Such as a:
- Paediatrician
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Speech Pathologist
- Neurologist
- Neurosurgeon
- Sleep expert
- Dietician
As treatment is extremely individualised within the care bracket of cerebral palsy, what works for someone else might not work for you, so it’s great to be open to certain types of treatment.
For example, nutrition and sleep can play a huge role in CP – it’s not all just sitting in the doctor’s waiting room, which we imagine can get really old, quickly. Studies have shown that nutrient-dense food that support muscle and bone growth, health and wellbeing are critical for supporting your body’s function with CP.
Fatigue and cerebral palsy
Those with cerebral palsy might also experience fatigue more than others. This is due to associated health conditions and motor impairments.
If someone experiences poor posture, lack of coordination or uncontrollable movements, then it takes more energy to perform tasks which, for some people, might be deemed relatively simple.
Fatigue can be identified as tiredness, lacking in energy and a sensation of weakness; in your mind and physical body. This can be rather debilitating as it affects how people move, act, think, learn and react.
Key takeaways
Understanding cerebral palsy isn’t going to be in a day’s work, but we hope this guide has provided some clarity on the disability. It’s important for us, at Kimberley Care Group, to learn about how best to support someone with a disability, and this means providing individualised care, based on research and medical advice.
Remember, learning about how an individual might experience the world with a different diagnosis to you is a major step in reducing the stigma that surrounds many disabilities.
Through knowledge comes support and empathy.
While we hope this guide has been helpful, please do not use this content as a replacement for professional medical advice. Always speak to a qualified health practitioner in regards to your own medical condition.
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References:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/facts.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cerebral-palsy/symptoms-causes/syc-20353999