Heather Stewart

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hello evryone welcome to my myspace page my name is heather, im in a wheelchair because, i was born with cerebral palsy, What is Cerebral Palsy? The term cerebral palsy refers to any one of a number of neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement and muscle coordination but don’t worsen over time. Even though cerebral palsy affects muscle movement, it isn’t caused by problems in the muscles or nerves. It is caused by abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscle movements. The majority of children with cerebral palsy are born with it, although it may not be detected until months or years later. The early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before a child reaches 3 years of age. The most common are a lack of muscle coordination when performing voluntary movements (ataxia); stiff or tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity); walking with one foot or leg dragging; walking on the toes, a crouched gait, or a “scissored” gait; and muscle tone that is either too stiff or too floppy. A small number of children have cerebral palsy as the result of brain damage in the first few months or years of life, brain infections such as bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis, or head injury from a motor vehicle accident, a fall, or child abuse. Is there any treatment? Cerebral palsy can’t be cured, but treatment will often improve a child's capabilities. Many children go on to enjoy near-normal adult lives if their disabilities are properly managed. In general, the earlier treatment begins the better chance children have of overcoming developmental disabilities or learning new ways to accomplish the tasks that challenge them. Treatment may include physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, drugs to control seizures, relax muscle spasms, and alleviate pain; surgery to correct anatomical abnormalities or release tight muscles; braces and other orthotic devices; wheelchairs and rolling walkers; and communication aids such as computers with attached voice synthesizers. What is the prognosis? Cerebral palsy doesn’t always cause profound disabilities. While one child with severe cerebral palsy might be unable to walk and need extensive, lifelong care, another with mild cerebral palsy might be only slightly awkward and require no special assistance. Supportive treatments, medications, and surgery can help many individuals improve their motor skills and ability to communicate with the world. What research is being done? Researchers are investigating the roles of mishaps early in brain development, including genetic defects, which are sometimes responsible for the brain malformations and abnormalities that result in cerebral palsy. Scientists are also looking at traumatic events in newborn babies’ brains, such as bleeding, epileptic seizures, and breathing and circulation problems, which can cause the abnormal release of chemicals that trigger the kind of damage that causes cerebral palsy. To make sure children are getting the right kinds of therapies, studies are also being done that evaluate both experimental treatments and treatments already in use so that physicians and parents have valid information to help them choose the best therapy. Cerebral palsy is a medical condition caused by a permanent brain injury that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. The primary characteristic of cerebral palsy is a lack of muscle control and movement. Cerebral palsy is not a progressive disease, however, the effects have been known to change over time. Although the cause of cerebral palsy is not known for certain, there is evidence that links it to both the health history of the mother and child, and accidents causing brain damage. The diagnosis of cerebral palsy is often made immediately after birth, but it can also be made later in childhood. Cerebral palsy may cause a number of symptoms, including seizures, spasms, visual and hearing problems, hyperactivity, and learning disorders. There is not a cure, however several therapies are available for the treatment of cerebral palsy. Although living with cerebral palsy can be difficult, it is certainly possible to be successful while coping with the disorder. It can also be a challenge if you are a parent of a child with cerebral palsy. However, there are many resources available to assist you in learning how to help your child cope. If there is a possibility of an injury to your child before, during, or shortly after birth, it is important to contact an attorney to discuss your legal rights. About Cerebral PalsyTypes of Cerebral PalsyCerebral Palsy Quick FactsLegal InformationTreatment and TherapyNews and ArticlesResourcesAbout the SourceContact UsCerebral Palsy Blog1.866.251.0808 Contact Us Fill out the form below to find out if you have a case. message Jeff Brody Litigators Inc. Causes of Cerebral Palsy Cerebral palsy currently affects 764,000 American and is diagnosed in approximately 8,000 babies and infants each year. With the multiple possible causes of cerebral palsy, a high percentage of them are preventable. Causes of cerebral palsy damage the nerve cells in the motor control center of the brain. When the neurons in this region die, proper signals can no longer be sent to the muscles under their control. This results in poor muscle control, ultimately exhibiting the signs of cerebral palsy. Causes of cerebral palsy can be traced to injury of the cerebrum or under-development of the cerebrum. The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain, responsible for higher mental faculties, sensations and voluntary muscle activities. Cerebral palsy is not a disorder with a single cause, but rather a group of disorders with associated problems regarding control of movement, with a variety of causes. There are a large number of factors that can lead to causes of cerebral palsy. A risk factor for cerebral palsy is not one of the causes of cerebral palsy but a variable which, when present, increases the chance of cerebral palsy. If a risk factor is present, it serves to alert parents and physicians to be even more observant to the infant's development. Asphyxia, or lack of oxygen, is one risk factor of cerebral palsy where brain cells not getting enough oxygen due to poor circulation may die. Asphyxia during birth is also possible, and about 10% of newborns known to have suffered asphyxia during birth develop cerebral palsy. A viral or bacterial infection contracted by the mother can also damage the fetal brain. Rubella, otherwise known as the German measles, toxoplasmosis (often contracted through undercooked meat), cytomegalovirus (a herpes virus), and HIV are also known to cause infections that are causes of cerebral palsy. Physical trauma to a pregnant mother or the infant can cause brain damage as well. Blows to the infant’s head due to an automobile accident, physical abuse or other such trauma can result in cerebral palsy. Also, maternal malnutrition and drug and alcohol use during pregnancy can be causes of cerebral palsy. Rh blood type compatibility between mother and fetus is also a risk factor, with the chance becoming greater after the initial pregnancy. Once incompatibility is diagnosed, treatment procedures can prevent the mother’s immune system from attacking the child’s blood cells. Jaundice that does occur can be treated with special lights that assist the infant in the breakdown of bilirubin. A congenital cerebral palsy results from a brain injury during intra-uterine life, or while a fetus is still inside the uterus. Although present at birth, it may not be detected for months after. Congenital cerebral palsy accounts for 70% of cases found in children. However, an additional 20% are diagnosed with congenital cerebral palsy due to a brain injury during child delivery. The additional 10% acquire the disorder after birth. However, countries with under developed healthcare see a number much higher. Acquired cerebral palsy results from brain damage in the first few months or years of life and can follow brain infections, such as bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis, or the results of head injury most often from a motor vehicle accident, a fall, or child abuse. Many causes of cerebral palsy can be prevented with the proper prenatal and postnatal care.

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