WORLD CEREBRAL PALSY DAY, 2023: TOGETHER STRONGER (PART 2)

As we continue to create awareness on cerebral palsy, at enability we aim to not only help manage this condition but to continue to educate and enlighten the society on the importance of early intervention, acceptance and compassion.

 Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal development of the brain or damage that occurs more than 28 days after birth. Cerebral palsy can also be acquired as a result of brain damage early in life, infection (such as meningitis) problems or head injury but in many cases, the cause of cerebral palsy is unknown. It is therefore more common among boys than girls, and more prevalent in African countries.

Symptoms of cerebral Palsy:

The symptoms of cerebral palsy are not usually obvious just after a baby is born but they become noticeable at some months or years later. Some of these symptoms can include:

• Delays in reaching development milestones – for example, not sitting by 8 months or not walking by 18 months.
• Muscle stiffness
• weak arms or legs (fine and gross motor)
• Fidgety, jerky, or clumsy movements
• Random uncontrolled movements
• Walking on tiptoes
• a range of other problems – such as swallowing problems, speaking problems, vision problems, and learning disabilities.

If any or all of these symptoms are noticed, kindly reach out to us at enability

Treatment/Intervention:

There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but supportive treatments, medications, surgery, and therapy can help many individuals improve their motor skills and ability to communicate with the world. Some interventions include:

• Physiotherapy – Involves muscle training and exercises to improve physical abilities such as flexibility, balance, motor development, and mobility. Our therapist also provides guidance on how the parent or caregiver can safely care for the child’s everyday needs at home. This can include bathing, feeding, continuing muscle training, and exercises with the child at home between therapy visits.
•  Speech and Language Therapy -Speech therapy helps with speech communication and swallowing difficulties.
• Occupational therapy– Occupational therapists work to help your child gain independence in daily activities at home, at school and in the community.
• Surgery is also done to treat movement or growth problems.

“Look past the disability and see the person. If you have questions, ask them. Be patient because speech may be hard to understand but carry on a conversation. Just because they’re difficult to understand doesn’t mean they don’t have something to say.”

-Dr. Gary Edwards, United Cerebral Palsy Birmingham executive director