Cerebral palsy is a congenital disability that affects various aspects of a person’s life. Unfortunately, misconceptions about its origins are prevalent, particularly among those who lack education. It’s essential to recognize the impact of environmental factors and maternal health during pregnancy on the development of cerebral palsy.
Contrary to misguided beliefs, cerebral palsy and other disabilities are not punishments or outcomes of wrongdoing. They typically result from accidents, human errors, domestic incidents, or illnesses.
Cerebral palsy (CP) refers to a collection of disorders that impact brain function, encompassing areas such as movement, learning, hearing, vision, and cognitive processes. This condition is often rooted in issues that arise during a baby’s brain development in the womb. These issues can involve damage to specific brain areas, such as white matter, which might occur due to reduced blood or oxygen supply—known as periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). CP manifests in various forms, including spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, hypotonic, and mixed types.
Spastic CP is characterized by challenges in precise oral movements that require significant effort, resulting in speech that may sound slurred or strained. Athetoid CP affects control over facial and tongue muscles, often leading to difficulties in managing their movements.
While signs of cerebral palsy tend to appear in the initial months of life, diagnoses are often made around age 2 or later. Common early indicators include developmental delays in milestones like rolling over, sitting, crawling, and walking.
Unusual muscle tone—either excessive or limited—is a prevalent trait in cerebral palsy. This might present as floppy limbs or difficulty in head control during infancy.
Certain individuals with cerebral palsy experience gastrointestinal reflux disease, which leads to stomach acid irritation and heartburn. It’s advisable to avoid greasy, spicy, or acidic foods to prevent acid reflux.
Regarding life expectancy, the duration is influenced by the severity of the condition and any accompanying medical concerns. As such, a fixed lifespan cannot be determined for individuals with cerebral palsy. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that life expectancy generally aligns with that of individuals without the condition.
While a cure for cerebral palsy remains elusive, therapies and integration into society significantly enhance the quality of life for those affected by the condition.
@Olawoyin Damilola
Advocate for Reform and Cerebral Palsy Awareness
