cerebral palsy |
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Cerebral palsy is the general term for a number of neurological conditions that affect movement and co-ordination.
Neurological conditions are caused by problems in the brain and nervous system. Specifically, cerebral palsy is caused by a problem in the parts of the brain responsible for controlling muscles. The condition can occur if the brain develops abnormally or is damaged before, during or shortly after birth.
Causes of cerebral palsy include:
It is estimated that 1 in 400 people in the UK is affected by cerebral palsy.
Symptoms of cerebral palsy.
The symptoms of cerebral palsy normally become apparent during the first three years of a child's life.
The main symptoms are:
Many people with cerebral palsy also have a number of associated problems, including repeated seizures or fits, drooling problems and swallowing difficulties. Some people with the condition may have communication and learning difficulties, although intelligence is often unaffected.
Read more about the symptoms of cerebral palsy.
When to seek medical adviceA child with cerebral palsy may be slower in achieving important developmental goals, such as learning to crawl, walk or speak.
You should see your GP if you are concerned about your child's development. If necessary, they can refer you to a paediatrician (a doctor who specialises in the treatment of children), who can help identify any problems.
Read more about diagnosing cerebral palsy.
How cerebral palsy is treatedThere is no cure for cerebral palsy. However, there are numerous treatments available, which can treat many of its symptoms and help people with the condition to be as independent as possible.
These treatments include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and medication to relieve muscle stiffness and spasms. In some cases, surgery may also be needed.
Read more about treating cerebral palsy.
OutlookCerebral palsy is not a progressive condition. This means the original problem in the brain doesn't get worse with age, and life expectancy is usually unaffected.
However, the physical and emotional strain of living with a long-term condition such as cerebral palsy can put a great deal of stress on the body, which can cause further problems in later life.
Read more about the complications of cerebral palsy.
Neurological conditions are caused by problems in the brain and nervous system. Specifically, cerebral palsy is caused by a problem in the parts of the brain responsible for controlling muscles. The condition can occur if the brain develops abnormally or is damaged before, during or shortly after birth.
Causes of cerebral palsy include:
- an infection caught by the mother during pregnancy
- a difficult or premature birth
- bleeding in the baby’s brain
- changes (mutations) in the genes that affect the brain's development
It is estimated that 1 in 400 people in the UK is affected by cerebral palsy.
Symptoms of cerebral palsy.
The symptoms of cerebral palsy normally become apparent during the first three years of a child's life.
The main symptoms are:
- muscle stiffness or floppiness
- muscle weakness
- random and uncontrolled body movements
- balance and co-ordination problems
Many people with cerebral palsy also have a number of associated problems, including repeated seizures or fits, drooling problems and swallowing difficulties. Some people with the condition may have communication and learning difficulties, although intelligence is often unaffected.
Read more about the symptoms of cerebral palsy.
When to seek medical adviceA child with cerebral palsy may be slower in achieving important developmental goals, such as learning to crawl, walk or speak.
You should see your GP if you are concerned about your child's development. If necessary, they can refer you to a paediatrician (a doctor who specialises in the treatment of children), who can help identify any problems.
Read more about diagnosing cerebral palsy.
How cerebral palsy is treatedThere is no cure for cerebral palsy. However, there are numerous treatments available, which can treat many of its symptoms and help people with the condition to be as independent as possible.
These treatments include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and medication to relieve muscle stiffness and spasms. In some cases, surgery may also be needed.
Read more about treating cerebral palsy.
OutlookCerebral palsy is not a progressive condition. This means the original problem in the brain doesn't get worse with age, and life expectancy is usually unaffected.
However, the physical and emotional strain of living with a long-term condition such as cerebral palsy can put a great deal of stress on the body, which can cause further problems in later life.
Read more about the complications of cerebral palsy.
LOCAL SUPPORT
Little Stars School for Parents is one of a national network of about 30 groups. We were set up to introduce the principles of conductive education to parents of young children with physical disabilities or delayed motor development.
Conductive education is a system of learning developed at the Peto Institute in Hungary designed to help children and adults with neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy and other motor disorders. It works towards helping children to meet the challenges they face more independently, with an emphasis on developing the whole child through active learning.
Our philosophy promotes a partnership between parents, children and professionals, which recognises the crucial role that parents play in the education of young children.
Little Stars School for Parents runs 4 sessions per week for children of varying abilities, ranging from infancy to nursery age. Children attend for one weekly session with a parent/carer. Sessions run during term-time and we have regular parties where all parents can come together. Funding is provided by the London Borough of Bexley and Bexley Snap and no charge is made to individual families.
We meet at Royal Park Primary School, Riverside Road, Sidcup, DA14 4PX.
Telephone: 07926 375 887
http://www.bexleysnap.org.uk/for-children-and-families/little-stars.asp
Little Stars School for Parents is one of a national network of about 30 groups. We were set up to introduce the principles of conductive education to parents of young children with physical disabilities or delayed motor development.
Conductive education is a system of learning developed at the Peto Institute in Hungary designed to help children and adults with neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy and other motor disorders. It works towards helping children to meet the challenges they face more independently, with an emphasis on developing the whole child through active learning.
Our philosophy promotes a partnership between parents, children and professionals, which recognises the crucial role that parents play in the education of young children.
Little Stars School for Parents runs 4 sessions per week for children of varying abilities, ranging from infancy to nursery age. Children attend for one weekly session with a parent/carer. Sessions run during term-time and we have regular parties where all parents can come together. Funding is provided by the London Borough of Bexley and Bexley Snap and no charge is made to individual families.
We meet at Royal Park Primary School, Riverside Road, Sidcup, DA14 4PX.
Telephone: 07926 375 887
http://www.bexleysnap.org.uk/for-children-and-families/little-stars.asp
NATIONAL SUPPORT
CerebralPalsy.org.uk provides support by offering impartial information on a broad range of subjects that people affected by CP should find usefull. As you navigate the site you will find tips, guides and advice available to aid those who are impacted by the condition You may be looking mobility aids such as stair lifts? or perhaps seeking toys to engage a child we can support you with your search.
www.cerebralpalsy.org.uk
My Child: The ULTIMATE Resource for EVERYTHING Cerebral Palsy
Our Mission: To provide you with the most comprehensive resource and compassionate voice for all things related to caring for a child with cerebral palsy, and other neurological conditions. We strive, everyday, to be your ULTIMATE Resource for EVERYTHING Cerebral Palsy.
www.cerebralpalsy.org
CerebralPalsy.org.uk provides support by offering impartial information on a broad range of subjects that people affected by CP should find usefull. As you navigate the site you will find tips, guides and advice available to aid those who are impacted by the condition You may be looking mobility aids such as stair lifts? or perhaps seeking toys to engage a child we can support you with your search.
www.cerebralpalsy.org.uk
My Child: The ULTIMATE Resource for EVERYTHING Cerebral Palsy
Our Mission: To provide you with the most comprehensive resource and compassionate voice for all things related to caring for a child with cerebral palsy, and other neurological conditions. We strive, everyday, to be your ULTIMATE Resource for EVERYTHING Cerebral Palsy.
www.cerebralpalsy.org
Source: NHS Choices 2014