Important Information On Using This Service
- Ergsy carefully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by YouTube after a video has completed have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in the center of the video.
Using Subtitles and Closed Captions
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on and choose your preferred language.
Turn Captions On or Off
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on captions, click settings.
- To turn off captions, click settings again.
Find A Professional
More Items From Ergsy search
-
Cerebral palsy | NHS
Relevance: 100%
-
Understanding Facial Palsy
Relevance: 68%
-
What is a Subarachnoid Hemorrhage?
Relevance: 4%
-
Childhood squint | NHS
Relevance: 4%
-
NHS Forth Valley’s Stroke Team
Relevance: 2%
-
Stroke - Speech and Language Therapist's Experience
Relevance: 2%
-
Your anaesthetic choices for your planned hip or knee replacement surgery at the RUH.
Relevance: 1%
-
An introduction to frontotemporal dementia (FTD) (part 1/3)
Relevance: 1%
-
How do you spot delirium
Relevance: 1%
Cerebral Palsy
Overview
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and coordination. It is caused by a problem with the brain that develops before, during, or shortly after birth. CP can affect people to vary degrees, from mild to severe, and impacts everyone differently. The condition is not progressive, meaning it does not get worse over time. However, the exact symptoms may change as a person grows and develops. Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in childhood, affecting around 1 in 400 babies in the UK.
Causes of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is primarily caused by brain damage that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. This damage can result from several factors including:
- Infections caught by the mother during pregnancy
- Bleeding in the baby's brain
- Temporary lack of oxygen to the baby's brain during a difficult birth
- Severe jaundice in the newborn period
- Genetic mutations
In many cases, the cause of cerebral palsy is not always clear.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary widely but may include problems with movement, coordination, muscle control, muscle tone, reflexes, posture, and balance. Some children may also have learning difficulties, visual or hearing impairments, and epilepsy. The severity of symptoms can differ from one person to another.
If there are concerns about a child's development, a GP or health visitor can conduct an initial assessment and refer the child to a specialist for further evaluation. A diagnosis typically involves physical examinations, brain scans such as MRIs, and additional tests to rule out other conditions.
Treatments and Support
While there is no cure for cerebral palsy, several treatments and supports are available to help manage the condition and improve quality of life. These may include:
- Physiotherapy to improve movement and strength
- Occupational therapy to assist with daily activities
- Speech and language therapy to help with communication
- Medications to manage muscle stiffness and spasms
- Surgery in some cases to correct physical abnormalities
Support for children and families may also involve educational support, emotional support, and social care.
Living with Cerebral Palsy
Living with cerebral palsy can be challenging, but with the right support, many people with the condition can lead fulfilling lives. The level of support required will vary depending on the severity of the condition. Organizations such as the NHS, Scope, and other disability support groups in the UK offer resources and assistance to help individuals and their families navigate the complexities of living with cerebral palsy.
For more information, visit the NHS website on cerebral palsy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that affects movement and coordination, caused by a problem with the brain that occurs before, during or soon after birth.
What are the main types of cerebral palsy?
The main types of cerebral palsy are spastic cerebral palsy, dyskinetic cerebral palsy, ataxic cerebral palsy, and mixed cerebral palsy.
What are the signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy?
Common signs include delays in reaching developmental milestones, such as not sitting by 8 months or not walking by 18 months, stiff or floppy muscles, and uncontrolled movements.
How is cerebral palsy diagnosed?
Cerebral palsy is usually diagnosed based on a child's development and medical history, supported by a physical examination and additional tests like MRI or CT scans.
Can cerebral palsy be treated?
There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but treatments like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medication, and sometimes surgery can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
What causes cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth. This can result from a variety of factors, including infections during pregnancy, difficult births, or genetic mutations.
Is cerebral palsy a progressive condition?
No, cerebral palsy is non-progressive. This means the brain damage does not worsen over time, although the symptoms can change as the person gets older.
Can children with cerebral palsy attend regular schools?
Many children with cerebral palsy can attend regular schools with appropriate support, although some may benefit from special education settings.
Is cerebral palsy hereditary?
Cerebral palsy is typically not hereditary. It is usually caused by problems that affect the brain during early development.
What support is available for families affected by cerebral palsy in the UK?
Support is available from the NHS, local councils, and various charities. This support can include medical treatment, therapy, educational support, financial assistance, and community resources.
How common is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is the most common childhood physical disability, affecting about 1 in 400 births in the UK.
Can adults with cerebral palsy live independently?
Many adults with cerebral palsy live independently, often with some level of assistance or adaptations to help with daily tasks.
Does cerebral palsy affect intellectual abilities?
Cerebral palsy does not necessarily affect intellectual abilities. While some individuals may have learning difficulties, others may have normal or above-average intelligence.
Are there any preventive measures for cerebral palsy?
While not all cases of cerebral palsy can be prevented, measures such as good prenatal care, vaccination, and avoiding exposure to infections during pregnancy can reduce risks.
What role do physiotherapists play in managing cerebral palsy?
Physiotherapists help people with cerebral palsy improve their movement and physical abilities through exercises, stretches, and other techniques tailored to individual needs.
Useful Links
Have you found an error, or do you have a link or some information you would like to share? Please let us know using the form below.
- Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings .
- To turn off Captions, click settings again.