Understanding Cerebral Palsy: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Life Expectancy, Types, and Its Impact on Learning at Home, School and Work

Oct 26

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a complex neurological condition affecting children and adults. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of cerebral palsy, including its causes, symptoms, various types, life expectancy, diagnosis and treatment options, and how to support CP individuals at school and in the workplace. Let's dive into this condition that impacts millions of lives worldwide.

Cerebral Palsy: What Is It?

Cerebral Palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is caused by abnormalities in brain development or injuries, usually before, during, or shortly after birth. These abnormalities disrupt the brain's ability to control muscle movement and coordination.

Cerebral Palsy Causes

Cerebral Palsy can have various causes, including:

Prenatal Causes: Brain abnormalities during fetal development, maternal infections, or exposure to toxins.

Perinatal Causes: Brain injuries during labor and delivery.

Postnatal Causes: Brain injuries during the first few years of life.

Understanding the cause can be crucial for developing treatment plans and determining the potential impact on a person's life.

Cerebral Palsy Symptoms

The symptoms of CP can vary significantly from person to person and change over time. Common symptoms include:

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Muscle stiffness or floppiness
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Impaired reflexes
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Abnormal posture
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Involuntary movements
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Difficulty with precise movements
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Balance and coordination issues
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Speech and swallowing difficulties
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Types of Cerebral Palsy

There are several types of cerebral palsy, including:

Spastic CP: Characterized by muscle stiffness.

Dyskinetic CP: Involves involuntary, uncontrolled movements.

Ataxic CP: Impairs balance and coordination.

Mixed CP: A combination of the above types.

Image for Understanding Cerebral Palsy, a blog by Gail Suitor, CEO of Ignite Change Makers Neurodiversity Consulting Firm.

Cerebral Palsy Life Expectancy

Life expectancy for individuals with cerebral palsy varies depending on the severity of the condition and associated complications. Many individuals with CP lead fulfilling lives and have a life expectancy similar to that of the general population. However, severe cases of CP may be associated with a shortened life expectancy due to complications like respiratory issues and infections.

Cerebral Palsy At Home: Diagnosis and Treatment

Early intervention and ongoing therapy are crucial for maximizing a person's potential. Diagnosis happens between birth and age 3. While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, various treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected. These treatments may include:

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Physical therapy
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Occupational therapy
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Speech therapy
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Medications to manage symptoms like muscle spasms

Assistive devices, such as wheelchairs and communication aids

Surgery in some cases to correct skeletal deformities

Cerebral Palsy in School

Does Cerebral Palsy Affect Intelligence?

Cerebral Palsy primarily affects muscle control and coordination but does not directly impact a person's intelligence. However, a few individuals with CP may have co-occurring conditions that affect their cognitive abilities, such as learning disabilities or intellectual disabilities. It's essential to recognize that intelligence varies among individuals with CP, and many have keen intellects.

The impact of CP will vary for every student, and it can range from minimal to considerable levels of physical disability. Start with the assumption that the student is capable, and be curious about how you can unlock what they know. Talk with the student and their parents to discover what tools they use for mobility and what’s vital as you create an accessible classroom for their mobility devices. Desks, with adjustable heights and angles, communication devices, spelling boards, and disability-friendly tools, are all options for increasing their ability to share what they know and to ask questions to ensure understanding.

CP at Work

Employers can provide a range of accommodations to help employees with motor issues manage their limitations at work. Options include providing alternative office equipment, such as ergonomic or adjustable keyboards. Assistive technology can open doors for many people with cerebral palsy, especially in the workplace, literally and figuratively. Various assistive technology is available, ranging from alternative office equipment such as adapted keyboards, adjustable desks, and voice recognition software to hand tools such as hammers and measuring instruments with accessible features.

People with cerebral palsy may develop a range of difficulties, but the type and severity of limitations differ between individuals. Most people with cerebral palsy will require some accommodations to perform their duties in the workplace. It is essential to consider your employee’s specific limitations and create adjustments suited to their needs.

Many people with CP deal with chronic pain and benefit from having a hybrid work environment. You may also want to consider alternate forms of communication, such as email, video, or phone calls, to reduce your employee’s need to travel to different parts of the office or workplace.

Due to the extra demands caused by CP, some individuals need help organizing and prioritizing tasks. If this is the case, Employers should consider providing their employees with a daily or weekly task sheet, with projects broken down into smaller, more manageable chunks. It may also be helpful to provide your employee with a mentor who can regularly check in and provide reassurance and assistance if required.

In conclusion, cerebral palsy is a complex condition with various symptoms and causes. While it cannot be cured, appropriate treatment and support can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with CP. CP does not directly affect intelligence, and each person should be evaluated individually to address their unique needs and potential. Individuals with cerebral palsy can lead fulfilling and productive lives with early intervention and the proper support.

Hey There, I’m Gail Suitor

Living and working with a neurodivergent brain can be challenging. I know because I have one, raised three, and taught many over 25+ years.

I help learning disabled people break free from labels so that they can appreciate their unique brains, ignite their brilliance, follow their passions, and become the change makers they were born to be.

My Change Maker Accelerator Program uses Mastermind Pods to help participants learn the 7 strategies of highly effective neurodiverse people so that they can discover their superpowers, develop their Ultimate Change Maker Blueprint, and create the life they want.