Characteristics
Symptoms of cerebral palsy vary greatly among cases.
Movement & Coordination: symptoms may be limity to one limb or one side of the body, or may affect the entire body. The brain injury that causes cerebral palsy does not change over time, so symptoms do not typically worsen with age. Muscle rigidity may worsen if not treated. -Spastic: muscles are stiff and reflexes exaggerated (70-80% of cases) -Athetoid: slow, writhing movements (10-20 % of cases) -Ataxic: lack of muscle coordination and affects sense of depth perception (5-10% of cases) -Rigidity: muscles are stiff and reflexes are normal -Tremors or involuntary movements -Delays in motor skills milestones (pushing up on arms, sitting up, crawling) -Favoring one side of the body -Difficulty walking (walking on toes, crouched gait, scissors-lke gait, or wide gait) -Tight joints that do not open up all the way -Excessive drooling or difficulty swallowing -Difficulty with sucking or eating -Delays in speech development or difficulty speaking -Difficulty with precise motions Neurological: brain abnormalities may also contribute to neurological problems including: -Impaired vision and hearing Intellectual disabilities or metal retardation Seizures Abnormal touch or pain perceptions Dental problems Urinary incontinence |
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Behavior: behavioral problems are directly linked to the degree of mental retardation in the cerebral palsy patient. Attention Deficit Disorder is also associated with behavior problems in those with cerebral palsy. Most patients commonly experience frustration in completing tasks or being able to communicate that can result in acting out behaviorally.
Social: problems in social interactions generally occur because of difficulty communicating. Since socializing is a constant in childhood, those with cerebral palsy may become self-concious if the way they speak, and avoid communicating. Mobility is another factor that drastically effects the type of activities in which they can participate.
Education: Those with cerebral palsy can attend school under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Their IEP services commonly include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, assistive technology, physical therapy, as well as medical intervention
Social: problems in social interactions generally occur because of difficulty communicating. Since socializing is a constant in childhood, those with cerebral palsy may become self-concious if the way they speak, and avoid communicating. Mobility is another factor that drastically effects the type of activities in which they can participate.
Education: Those with cerebral palsy can attend school under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Their IEP services commonly include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, assistive technology, physical therapy, as well as medical intervention