Cerebral palsy, also known as CP, is a disorder of movement and posture that is not progressive in nature. It is caused by an injury or a defect or lesion in the developing brain of a fetus, newborn of infant. Adults who have cerebral palsy have had the condition for most of their lives. Most people with CP lead long, functional lives and ninety-eight percent of patients survive into their twenties and beyond. The likelihood of a cerebral palsy patient surviving beyond their twenties is ninety percent. The severity of the condition can also affect the length and quality of life of patients.
As there is no cure for cerebral palsy for children or adults, early intervention and treatments is necessary in order to manage the condition. Treatment includes physical, language, and occupational therapy that is coordinated by a number of professionals. Treatment may also include medications, surgery, and/or special equipment such as walkers or braces. Parents with children who have cerebral palsy should think about the effects that cerebral palsy will have on the child as they grow into adulthood. As children who have CP are often not able to care for themselves by the time they are legal adults, parents should file for guardianship. This will ensure that your childs care says in your hands as they mature into an adult.
Adults with cerebral palsy have different needs than children with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy adult patients have hurdles to overcome that other adults take for granted. For instance, it is important for all adults to exercise but cerebral palsy can make vigorous exercise very difficult. Exercise has been linked to reducing depression which is also important to adults with cerebral palsy. Also, women with cerebral palsy need to receive counseling that is necessary in order to deal with the way their bodies change over time. Also, maintaining medical and dental health is very important, along with nutrition.
Many adults need adjusted recommended daily allowances in order to compensate for respiratory problems, increased saliva loss, and/or excessive fatigue. Cerebral palsy patients also suffer form coordination problems as their bodies age. This can lead to withdrawal from the outside world as communicating becomes more and more difficult. It is important to maintain open communication lines with adult cerebral palsy patients.
