Brief Overview of Cerebral Palsy
My closest friend growing up has Cerebral Palsy, a fairly minor case. He has limited motor skills on the left side of his body and his dad was always making custom modifications to things like his bike so he could operate everything using his more dominant side. I know little about the condition so chose to research this one in more detail
Overview
Cerebral Palsy can be best understood by simply defining the words in the name - Cerebral, effecting hemispheres of the brain and Palsy, complete or partial muscle paralysis. Damage or inhibited development to the brain inhibits muscle control. Effects are long term and can range from slight reduction in fine motor skill to uncontrollable writhing or motion.
What is the cause?
Cerebral Palsy is a term used to describe an overall condition developed in children. It is not a disease stemming from a single virus or trauma. In the case of my friend, it was believed that a long difficult child birth cut off oxygen to the brain for a substantial enough time to cause some damage. Other causes can be head trauma in early childhood or in other cases an infection in pregnancy.
What is the cure?
The condition is for life. Cerebral Palsy can not be cured however it is possible for the effects to lessen or improve with treatments such as medication, therapy, and or braces.
Sources:
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders
- Personal friend - sorry, no link
- United Cerebral Palsy of New York