World Cerebral Palsy Day: A Guide to Help you Learn about it

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a serious medical condition. If you have it, you may lose control you’re your posture, muscles, or body movements. People with it are unable to walk and have other impairments affecting their senses. It happens when the part of your brain responsible for motor control is damaged. Statistics show that more than 17 million people have cerebral palsy globally [1]. In fact, it is an abnormal child disease, and one of the most common disabilities affecting children too.

To create awareness about this condition, World Cerebral Palsy Day is observed every year on October 6. On Palsy Day, people unite and offer their support to those with cerebral palsy. This International Cerebral Palsy Day, works toward improving the lives of all those who are living with this condition. To that end, learn all you can about this condition and how you can do your part on World Cerebral Palsy Day.

What are the symptoms and signs of cerebral palsy?

World Cerebral Palsy Day is observed to create awareness about this condition so that people understand its signs and symptoms. The symptoms differ from one person to another. While in some it affects the whole body, in others only one or two limbs may be affected. However, you may notice coordination and developmental problems in people with this medical condition.

Some of the most common symptoms include [2]: 

• Poor motor skills
• Slow body movements
• Rigid and stiff muscles
• Involuntary movements
• Lack of muscle coordination
• Difficulty walking

You may also notice a delay in development such as: 

• Impaired speech  
• Inability to speak clearly 
• Inability to chew and swallow food
• Excessive drooling
• Learning disability
• Delayed growth
• Inability to hear properly
• Problems with bowel movements and urinary bladder
• Behavioral issues or abnormal child behavior
• Impaired vision

How is CP caused? 

There are many causes for this and Cerebral Palsy Day raises awareness for the same. Usually, it is caused due to a damaged brain. While this condition occurs before the birth of a child, it can also occur during the early years of infancy or at birth. However, there are many factors that affect brain development. Few such factors are listed below: 

• Infant infections 
• Maternal infections 
• Head injury
• Fetal stroke
• No oxygen supply to the brain

All these factors are the prime reasons that lead to disability in children. This abnormal child problem can also have other complications, making life very difficult.

What are the different risk factors for cerebral palsy? 

Babies who have low birth weight have a higher risk of acquiring this condition. In cases where multiple babies share the same uterus, cerebral palsy is common. Other risk factors include premature birth and complications during delivery. If the mother is exposed to toxic chemicals or infections, infants may develop this medical condition. Likewise, if the infant is affected by bacterial meningitis, then the risk of CP is higher.

How is CP diagnosed and treated? 

Symptoms take time to appear and so a doctor may be able to diagnose the condition only when the infant is a few months or one year old. Some of the routine tests for diagnosis include: 

• Brain scan 
• EEG 
• Blood tests 
• Urine analysis 
• Skin tests 

The most common treatment options include therapies, surgeries, and medications. However, there is no permanent cure for cerebral palsy. Treatment simply helps children have a relatively normal routine. 

How is World Cerebral Palsy Day 2021 observed? 

Digital fundraising events are conducted and the amount collected is used to help those affected by cerebral palsy. Several campaigns and walks are organized to raise awareness. Many children and adults affected by this condition are encouraged to participate in such events too! Across the globe, articles are published on this day in newspapers and many talks are conducted on the radio [3]. 

With a better idea about this medical condition, do your bit to spread cerebral palsy awareness among your friends and family. By spreading information, you can be a part of the solution to make lives easier for those with CP. In case your loved ones or those around you require assistance to cope with cerebral palsy, connect with expert neurologists on Bajaj Finserv Health. Find a specialist online, book an appointment digitally, and address your concerns via online doctor consultation within minutes.