Cerebral Palsy Questions

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What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a group of movement or posture disorders in which the brain cannot properly control the muscles in the body.

What causes cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is caused by injury to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth. Typically the damage to the brain which causes the condition is created by a lack of oxygen. Birth injury leading to cerebral palsy can be caused by many things including:

• Rh incompatibility
• Infection in mother or baby during pregnancy
• Kidney and urinary tract infections in the mother
• Toxicity from inappropriate medications during pregnancy
• Failure to respond to fetal distress
• Unreasonable delay in performing a c-section
• Umbilical cord strangulation
• Inappropriate use of forceps
• Stroke
• Bleeding in the brain
• Lack of oxygen
• Severe jaundice
• Failure to treat infant seizures

Is cerebral palsy contagious?
No, cerebral palsy is not contagious. It is not a disease.

Is there a cure for cerebral palsy?
Not at this time, but there are therapies and treatments which can minimize the effects and help children live normal lives. Each child responds differently to treatment, and some will be permanently disabled and may even require 24 hour care and supervision.

Is cerebral palsy a progressive condition? Will it get worse?
No, cerebral palsy is not progressive, and it does not get worse. However, secondary conditions can be progressive and disabilities caused by cerebral palsy can worsen over time, especially without therapy.

What are the different types of cerebral palsy?
Your child may have one or a combination of these three types of cerebral palsy:

• Ataxic – makes the muscles too weak
• Spastic – makes the muscles to tight
• Athetoid – muscles alternate between being too tight and too weak

Can my child get better?

In most cases, yes. Various types of therapy and rehabilitation can help your child improve control over his or her muscles and learn to work around some of the problems caused by cerebral palsy to achieve better overall function and a more independent lifestyle.

What kind of special care will my child need?
Every brain injury and every child is unique. Depending on the severity of injury and disability your child may need a combination of the following throughout his or her life:

• Surgery
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Physical therapy
• Psychological treatment
• Medications to prevent seizures
• Full time in-home care
• Institutionalization

Can children with cerebral palsy grow up to live normal, independent lives?
Some can and do grow up to live independently. Early detection and the best treatment and rehabilitation are your child’s best chance for the most optimal outcome.

If your child has Cerebral Palsy, please contact The Cerebral Palsy Lawyers Network for a free initial consultation and evaluation of your case.