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What exactly is cerebral palsy? -

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders affecting motor and developmental skills. It is not a disease or sickness.

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Diagnosis timeline -

CP is usually diagnosed anywhere between 18 months and five years of age.

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How does CP develop? -

CP is caused by a problem with the brain that develops before, during, or after birth. It is the most common motor disability in childhood.

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Abnormal brain condition -

This abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain affects a person's ability to control his or her muscles. There are four main types of cerebral palsy.

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Spastic cerebral palsy -

The most common type of CP, spastic cerebral palsy affects about 80% of people with CP. It's caused by damage to the motor cortex or pyramidal tracts and characterized by tight muscles and jerking movements.

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Ataxic cerebral palsy -

Ataxic cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the balance center of the brain, the cerebellum. This in turn results in issues with motor control and movement.

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Hypotonic cerebral palsy -

A rare type, hypotonic cerebral palsy is also caused by cerebellum damage. The condition is characterized by floppy muscles, excess flexibility, and poor mobility.

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Dyskinetic cerebral palsy -

Caused by basal ganglia and/or cerebellum damage, symptoms of dyskinetic cerebral palsy include fluctuating muscle tone and involuntary movements. Athetoid, choreoathetoid, and dystonic cerebral palsy are all forms of dyskinetic CP.

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Mixed cerebral palsy -

Mixed cerebral palsy is a result of multiple areas of brain damage. It can cause patients to have more than one type of CP. The most common type of mixed CP is spastic-dyskinetic CP.

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Signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy -

Symptoms of CP can vary greatly from person to person, as can the severity of the condition. Furthermore, signs are not usually obvious just after a baby is born.

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Delays in reaching development milestones -

An obvious red flag, however, are delays in reaching development milestones—for example, not sitting by eight months or not walking by 18 months.

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Early signs -

Other symptoms in newborns include seeming too stiff or too floppy, and a lagging head when they are picked up while lying on their back. Another symptom to look out for in a baby younger than six months of age is if he/she reaches out with only one hand while keeping the other fisted.

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Common CP symptoms -

The inability to roll over in either direction and not being able to bring hands together are other possible signs of CP.

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Clumsy movement -

Fidgety, jerky, or clumsy movements, and difficulty bringing hands to the mouth, serve as additional indicators that something is amiss.

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Problems with balance -

Lack of coordination and balance or problems with movement on one side of the body are associated with the onset of CP.

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Exaggerated reflexes -

Random, uncontrolled movements and exaggerated reflexes typify other physical symptoms of CP, as do difficulties in eating and swallowing.

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Walking difficulties -

Crawling in a lopsided manner, shuffling along the floor on buttocks, or on the knees are also signs to look out for.

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Odd gait -

And difficulty with walking, such as a crouched or scissors-like gait, or doing so on tiptoe, represent more CP indicators.

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Neurological symptoms -

Besides physical indicators, possible neurological symptoms include sensory impairments, for example visual and/or hearing problems.

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Behavioral problems -

CP also manifests in behavioral problems, and difficulties with speech and language, or dysarthria.

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Factors that induce CP -

Cerebral palsy can occur if a baby's brain does not develop normally while they're in the womb, or is damaged during or soon after birth.

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CP can develop in the womb -

These causes include bleeding in the baby's brain or reduced blood and oxygen supply to their brain. An infection caught by the mother during pregnancy is another possible cause. And the brain temporarily not getting enough oxygen (asphyxiation) during a difficult birth is also a reason CP can develop. Meningitis and serious head injury have also been blamed for these movement disorders.

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Risk factors -

Routine doctor visits throughout pregnancy are crucial to catching any complications and cerebral palsy risk factors. Expectant mothers can reduce the risks by avoiding things such as alcohol and tobacco, and exposure to infections or viruses known to impact fetal health.

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Treatments for CP -

There is no cure for CP, but treatment can improve the lives of those who have the condition. Treatment plans can be designed to address your child's specific needs.

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Physiotherapy -

Physiotherapy is often recommended. Those afflicted with CP benefit enormously from techniques such as exercise and stretching to help maintain physical ability. These in turn help to address movement problems.

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Speech therapy -

Speech therapy naturally helps with speech and communication, but also with swallowing difficulties.

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Occupational therapy -

Occupational therapy works where a healthcare professional identifies problems that you or your child have carrying out everyday tasks, and suggests ways to make these easier.

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Medication and surgery -

Medication can be used to treat some symptoms of cerebral palsy, and corrective surgery may be recommended for children with severe mobility and muscle issues.

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Outlook for cerebral palsy -

While it can be difficult to predict what the outlook will be for you or your child, generally speaking most youngsters with CP live into adult life.

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Learning to cope -

In fact, many kids with CP go on to enjoy a mainstream education, though some may have special educational needs.

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A childhood disorder -

No matter what the cause, CP occurs early in life. You can't develop this condition as an adult.

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Living with CP -

Those who do survive CP into adulthood still face challenges and living with the condition can lead to problems such as depression in some people.

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Help and support -

If you or your child have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, the good news is that there is plenty of help and support out there, early intervention and school-aged services, for example, designed to educate families about the condition.

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CP awareness programs -

Getting in touch with online communities and participating in CP awareness programs can also help lessen the impact of a positive diagnosis. 

Sources: (CerebralPalsy.org) (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) (CDC) (Cerebral Palsy Guidance)

See also: Celebrities open up about raising children with disabilities

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