What is Cerebral Palsy?

What is Cerebral Palsy?

The name of a group of conditions that often are caused by a problem with the brain that develops during pregnancy or during or soon after birth. Cerebral palsy affected coordination and movement.

What are the symptoms of Cerebral Palsy?

Symptoms are not visible until after birth and in most cases are noticed from an early age. This could include:

• Movement that are fidgets, clumsy or jerky.

• Weakness in the limbs (arms and legs)

• Milestone delays - this could include not being able to walk at 18 months

• Difficulties swallowing

• Difficulties speaking

• Learning disabilities

These symptoms will vary from person to person, some affecting their lives minorly others could be severely disabled.

The cause of Cerebral Palsy is due to brain development. This may be where the baby’s brain does not develop normally whilst in the womb or during birth becomes damaged or soon after they are born. If there is an infection during pregnancy or a reduction in blood or oxygen supply before or during birth this can affect the individual.

Are there any treatments for Cerebral Palsy?

Although no cure, there are many treatments available to support someone with Cerebral Palsy to live a fulfilling and as independent as possible life.

• Occupational therapy - where a professional is able to help individuals with disabilities live independently, finding alternative ways to complete everyday tasks that you or your loved one may struggle with.

• Physiotherapy - to support and hopefully improve physical movements through stretching, strengthening and exercising.

• Speech therapy

• Medicine

• Surgery (if applicable) - to support you or your loved one with movement and/or growth problems

Help and support

If you or your loved one have Cerebral Palsy there are many different places you can go to for support.

The main UK charity you can visit for advice and support is Scope. https://www.scope.org.uk/