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Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (c.p.) is an umbrella term for a group of disorders affecting body movement, balance, and posture. It is a physical disability caused by damage to the brain, usually occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. It is a chronic nonprogressive neurological disorder. Every day, approximately two Canadians are born with c.p. The causes of c.p. are not fully known, but may include blood type incompatibility between parents, premature birth, lack of oxygen to the fetus, or other medical conditions such as rubella in the mother or meningitis in the child.
Cerebral palsy is characterized by a disruption of motor skills, with symptoms such as spasticity, paralysis, or seizures. People with c.p. have difficulty controlling and coordinating their muscles. Individuals with cerebral palsy often have gastroesophageal reflux or GERD, as well as swallowing and feeding problems. Some of the complications of c.p. include (but are not limited to) joint stiffness, bowel and bladder problems, gagging and choking, acid reflux, slowed growth, mental retardation, seizures, breathing problems, and in severe cases sometimes even early death.
Currently, c.p. cannot be cured, but early identification and appropriate intervention programmes can lessen developmental problems. Therapies, medical treatment, community support services, assistive technologies, and independent living opportunities can help people with c.p. reach their full potential. Like with any other disability, the overall goal is to help the child reach his or her full pysical, mental, and emotional potential.
Here at MomsWearingPuke.com, we would like to be part of your support team. You'll find tonnes of moms with children with reflux, and many others who are dealing with special needs on top of that. Please pop into our forums and introduce yourself. You won't regret it!
Written by: Janette, EvansMom
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