Cerebral palsy can impact tasks requiring motor control, often making individuals rely on a caretaker. The condition can impact performance in the workplace, but according to the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, individuals are entitled to equal opportunities and independence, and can't be segregated against in job interviews.  

Social Impacts of Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is known to make the stresses of life more overwhelming. Individuals tend to become shy in social situations out of fear of being bullied or teased by others. They are more prone to depression and anxiety disorders.

Psychological Impacts of Cerebral Palsy

- Indirect costs: $742,326
- Direct Medical Costs: $93,942
- Direct Nonmedical Costs: $84,732
- Total:  Approximately $921,000
*Data taken from 2004 MMWR report, so prices are expected to be greater now.

Economic Impacts of Cerebral Palsy

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

- Physiology
- Impacts
- Solutions
- Symptomology

Topics within Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy Guide. (2021, September 7). Adults with cerebral palsy - resources, support and helpful information. Cerebral Palsy Guide. Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://www.cerebralpalsyguide.com/community/cerebral-palsy-in-adults/. 

Cerebral Palsy Guide

Stern, K. A. (n.d.). Cost. MyChild at cerebralpalsy.org. Retrieved November 13, 2021, from https://www.cerebralpalsy.org/about-cerebral-palsy/costs. 

Cost of Cerebral Palsy (cerebralpalsy.org)

Impacts of Cerebral Palsy

A majority of the cases are born with this disability, while others acquire it after birth. Causes  are largely unknown, but possibilities include:

- Damage to the white matter of the brain
- Abnormal development of the brain
- Bleeding in the brain
- Severe lack of oxygen in the brain

Physiology of Cerebral Palsy

There is a wide variety of possible symptoms which varies along with the area of the brain damaged:

- Lack of muscle coordination when performing voluntary movements (ataxia)
- stiff or tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes
- weakness in one or more arm/leg
- variations in muscle tone (either too stiff or too floppy)
- Excessive drooling or difficulties swallowing or speaking
- Tremor or random involuntary movements
- Delays in reaching motor skill milestone
- Difficulty with precise movements such as writing

Symptomology of Cerebral Palsy

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Cerebral Palsy. However, there are treatments that can lesson the symptoms:

- Medications (muscle or nerve injections, oral muscle relexants, drooling medication) can help lessen muscle tightness, treat pain, and  reduce spasticity.
- Physical Therapy (muscle training), occupational therapy (gaining independence in daily activities), speech and language therapy (sign language or clarity in speech), recreational therapy (improving motor skills and mental health)
- Surgical Procedures (orthopedic surgery) can help in lengthening muscles, lessoning pain, and improving mobility. In severe cases, cutting nerve fibers reduces pain but can cause numbness.

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