There’s no cure for cerebral palsy . But resources and therapies can help kids grow and develop to their greatest potential. As soon as CP is diagnosed, a child can begin therapy for movement and other areas that need help, such as learning, speech, hearing, and social and emotional development.
Is cerebral palsy a lifelong disease?
Some people have intellectual disabilities, but others do not. Epilepsy, blindness or deafness also might be present. Cerebral palsy is a lifelong disorder . There is no cure, but treatments can help improve function.
Can a child outgrow cerebral palsy?
No, because Cerebral Palsy is a permanent condition with no known cure, a child will not outgrow Cerebral Palsy . This means that no matter what the symptoms are, the underlying cause of the symptoms will never go away.
Has anyone recovered from cerebral palsy?
There is no cure for CP , but a child’s quality of life can improve with: treatment that may involve surgery. therapy, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. special equipment to help kids get around and communicate with others.
Does cerebral palsy get better with age?
Though cerebral palsy is a non-degenerative condition, meaning that it doesn’t get worse with aging , a lifetime of fighting physical impairment can mean that people with cerebral palsy often start feeling the effects of age much earlier.
Does cerebral palsy affect IQ?
Cerebral Palsy does not on its own affect a person’s intelligence . However, as many as 30-50% of children with CP have some form of cognitive impairment caused by a coexisting condition.
Can you live a normal life with cerebral palsy?
Living with Cerebral Palsy. Both children and adults with cerebral palsy can live active and fulfilling lives by utilizing different types of therapies, assistive devices, and more.
Is cerebral palsy painful?
Several scientific studies have identified pain as one of the most common problems experienced by individuals with CP, children and adults alike, and as many as 75% of adults with CP suffer from chronic pain . Pain in CP seems to be overlooked and insufficiently treated by caregivers and health professionals.
Does cerebral palsy affect speech?
Cerebral palsy can affect a person’s ability to finely coordinate the muscles around the mouth and tongue that are needed for speech . The coordinated breathing that is needed to support speech can also be affected, e.g. some people may sound ‘breathy’ when they speak.
Does cerebral palsy shorten life span?
Cerebral palsy patients go on to live a healthy and normal life as they transition into adulthood. Severe cerebral palsy can decrease life expectancy due to significant physical and intellectual impairments and associated health conditions .
Who is the oldest person with cerebral palsy?
Bernadette Rivard lived 83 years with cerebral palsy.
Does cold weather affect cerebral palsy?
When you have difficulties regulating body temperature, it’s essential to be mindful of the weather. The bodies of individuals with cerebral palsy are much more vulnerable to extreme outside temperatures. Cold weather can cause the muscles to tense up and increase involuntary movements .
What is the life expectancy of someone with severe cerebral palsy?
Generally, children born with cerebral palsy can expect to live between 30 and 70 years on average . Those with the longest life expectancies usually have more mobility, better medical care and adaptive equipment and greater autonomy and independence. There is no cure for cerebral palsy and the condition lasts for life.
Can CP go away?
There is no cure for CP , but a child’s quality of life can improve with: treatment that may involve surgery. therapy, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. special equipment to help kids get around and communicate with others.
Can people with cerebral palsy drive?
You bet they can! Just because someone has cerebral palsy doesn’t mean they won’t be able to drive. Cerebral palsy is a motor disability that affects movement. However, thanks to car adaptations, many people with cerebral palsy can safely drive .
Can you walk with cerebral palsy?
CP is more common among boys than girls, and more common among black children than among white children. Most (about 75%-85%) children with CP have spastic CP. This means that their muscles are stiff, and as a result, their movements can be awkward. Over half (about 50%-60%) of children with CP can walk independently .
