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.

Medical Treatments of Cerebral Palsy

- Physiology
- Impacts
- Solutions
- Symptomology

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Cerebral Palsy is the most common motor disability in children, and it is caused by abnormal development or damage to the brain. This results in an impaired ability to move and maintain posture. In mild cases, individuals may walk a bit awkwardly while severe cases may need a caretaker and special equipment.

Cerebral Palsy

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2021, September 1). Cerebral palsy. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cerebral-palsy/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354005. 

Cerebral Palsy (Mayo Clinic)

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)

Bass, P. (2020, April 14). Spastic hemiplegia cerebral palsy: Causes and treatment. Cerebral Palsy Guidance. Retrieved November 8, 2021, from https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/cerebral-palsy/types/spastic-hemiplegia/. 

Spastic Hemiplegia Cerebral Palsy (Cerebral Palsy Guidance)

“Cerebral Palsy: Hope through Research.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 9 Sept. 2021, https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Cerebral-Palsy-Hope-Through-Research. 

"Cerebral Palsy: Hope Through Research" (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)


“What Is Cerebral Palsy?” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2 Sept. 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/facts.html.

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