CEREBRAL PALSY INFORMATION

The condition is caused by damage to the brain which disrupts the ability to control movement and posture and may cause seizures or mental impairment. It may be naturally occurring or may be as a result of medical negligence. Affected children are frequently slow to reach developmental milestones and may show typical symptoms. Cerebral palsy information is available throughout the internet. Just a few of the more authoritative sites are detailed below

Cerebral palsy appears in the first years of life and does not improve with age although it may change its character and whilst treatment can never repair the damage done it can improve quality of life. If you are UK based probably the most detailed cerebral palsy information is to be found on the website operated by Scope which is the national United Kingdom cerebral palsy charity offering advice, information and assistance to those suffering from this condition and their carers.

There are four main categories of cerebral palsy:

Spastic is the most common form, affecting 70-80% of patients and the muscles remain in a constant state of increased involuntary reflex.
Athetoid affects 10-20% of patients and causes involuntary, purposeless movements, especially in the face, arms, and trunk.
Ataxic affects 5-10% of patients and is characterised by poor muscle tone and altered sense of balance and depth perception, leading to slow, uncoordinated, unsteady and shaky movement.
Mixed is usually a combination of spasticity and athetoid although any combination can occur.

Cerebral palsy is further classified according to the number of limbs involved as follows:

Quadriplegia - all 4 of the limbs are involved
Diplegia either - both legs or both arms are involved
Hemiplegia - one side of the body is affected
Triplegia - 3 limbs are involved
Monoplegia - 1 limb is affected

Detailed and straightforward cerebral palsy information in plain English can be found contained in the Cerebral Palsy Multimedia Tutorial operated by the University of Virginia in the USA.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

This website is for information only and does not contain medical or legal advice which should only be obtained from a qualified professional person. This website does not recommend any individual medical or legal professionals and does not refer matters on to any medical or legal professionals. This website is not intended to endorse any person, association or firm.