Cerebral Palsy and Assistive Technology
Some form of Cerebral Palsy can be found in 2/1000 born in the U.S.
Cerebral Palsy is a disorder resulting from damage to the brain. This is generally developed during the fetal period or shortly thereafter birth. It is considered to be a developmental disorder because it impacts early development. It is often caused by premature birth, resource deprivation (blood, oxygen and/or nutrient), serious head injury, infection, and genetics. Symptoms of Cerebral Plasy are related to the lack of muscular coordination and in speech problems. Those who suffer from this physical disorder may also have other related ailments including; vision/hearing impairment, seizures, and mental retardation. Due to the different distinctions of the disorder it is often categorized in three manifestations: spastic, athetoid and ataxic.
Spastic Cerebral Palsy is the most common category; this can be seen in over 80 percent of all that are inflicted with the disorder. Classical signs of this form of Cerebral Palsy include limited functionality in one or more muscle groups. These individuals also display random body movements. This form makes it difficult to move from point A to B and also makes grasping objects extremely difficult.
Athetoid Cerebral Palsy is caused by damage in the area of the cerebellum or basal ganglia. These anatomic components both work to process signals and coordinate movement and maintain posture. Those who suffer from this form of Cerebral Palsy will display involuntary movement and/or non-functional movement in the face, arms, and/or trunk. This all can couple to hinder speech and negatively impact other areas of moving the body.
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy is caused by an overall display of low muscle tone. Those with this form of Cerebral Palsy look physical imbalanced due to a large amount of non-functional movement throughout the body. The effects of this trembling and low muscle tone make it very difficult to complete the most basic task. This is a very rare form of the disorder only affecting about 5-10 percent of those diagnosed.
Aside from the categories listed above some also suffer from a combination. The most common combination is Spastic and Athetoid Cerebral Palsy; however, any combinations can occur.
Treating Cerebral Palsy cannot be approach in one form because of the different manifestations and the degrees in which the disorder impacts early development. Although this is the case, there are some essential components involved with treatment. Movement is one area that is problematic in all forms of Cerebral Palsy. With that being said an exercise program would be put together to develop stronger mobility and posture. Each therapy program may differ; however, parents/guardians would play a huge role in therapy as well. Therapists often review activities that could be extended in the home. This cocktail of professional and personal at home therapy work to fight this developmental disorder.
Assistive Technology
- Wheelchairs (Electric/ Non-Electric depending upon severity of muscle development).
- Walker
- Communication Aids
- Special Eating Utensils w/ special grips
Resources: