Cerebral Palsy

My Dis@bled called Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Intellectual level among people with CP varies from genius to mentally challenged. CP is not a progressive disorder meaning it does not worsen, but the symptoms can worsen over time doe to “wear and tear”. Medical intervention is limited as the causes are known.

The causes could be:

                                      Infections

                                      Oxygen Shortage and Asphyxia

                                      Multiple Pregnancies

                                      Other

Spastic CP is the most, causes the muscles to be tense, rigid and movements are slow and difficult. Other involuntary movements are unsteady gait, problems with balance.

Treatment

Different treatments can help a person function and live more effectively. The earlier treatment begins the better the children overcome developmental disabilities or learns new ways to do tasks.

Treatments may include one or more following:

              Physio therapy

              Occupational therapy

              Speech therapy

              Medication to alleviate pain or relax muscle spasms

              Surgery

              Orthopaedic devices

              Hyerbaric oxygen

              Botox to relax contracting muscles

Use of terms when referring to people with CP

People would rather be referred to as disabled to define restriction of the ability used to perform a normal activity.

The term “spastic” describes the spastic CP. The word “spaz” has since been used to insult disabled people, is extremely offensive. In addition, it is used to insult “able body” people.

Misconception about been born with or became CP as small children. That they are less intelligent than other people. Those with CP were stigmatized and shunned. CP is defined as damage to parts of the brain that control movement, CP does not define mental ability. In 1950s thanks to public education that has changed some what.

It is common for individuals with CP to lead normal lives. The ability to live independently also varies depending on severity of the disability. The condition does not limit people with CP to have children and parent successfully.