Life Expectancy of Cerebral Palsy

Life span is among a parent’s immediate concerns for a child. Although life expectancy hinges on many factors, most individuals with cerebral palsy enjoy a healthy lifespan as long as life-threatening associative conditions are managed, and healthful medical care and lifestyle supports are implemented. In general, there are eight factors that have been identified to affect life span for individuals with cerebral palsy.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Child with CP?
Although there have been no general studies of life expectancy in people with cerebral palsy, most children affected by CP live between 30 and 70 years, depending on the severity of the condition. In general, a child with a mild case of CP usually lives longer than a child with mobility and intellectual limitations. Children who respond well to physical and occupational therapy, have no intellectual development problems, and can function with little or no assistance lead longer lives than those with severe disabilities caused by CP. However, most children with even the mildest form of CP tend to have slightly shorter life spans than the general population.
In addition, according to a study published in Pediatrics & Therapeutics, life expectancy is also determined by the quality of treatment that a child with CP receives. Generally, children with low birth weight severe symptoms, intellectual impairments, and limited mobility fare less well than children who can walk and function more or less independently. This is especially true in cases when a family’s financial situation limits the amount of medical and therapeutic care that a child with severe CP requires.
Other factors that determine life expectancy are respiratory disorders and related issues. Babies with severe CP often have difficulty breathing on their own. As a result, respiratory problems are a significant cause of mortality among infants with CP.
How to Improve Life Expectancy
Although there is no known cure for cerebral palsy, proactive care by parents, physicians, and other caregivers can improve a child’s life expectancy. As mentioned earlier, children with mild CP who receive physical and occupational therapy promptly and regularly can improve their ability to move and eat on their own. Children with no or minimal intellectual limitations are also able receive the education they need to function as productive and happy adults.

Keep in mind that children with more severe CP-related conditions, such as lack of mobility or severe cognitive disabilities, have significantly reduced lifespans due to the serious complications the disability causes. Children and young adults who are fed by tubes or can’t raise their heads without assistance also have shorter life expectancy than the general population.

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