Can smoking cause cerebral palsy?

Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking: Protect Yourself and Your Baby from Cerebral Palsy

After your baby is born, your protective instincts are powerful. As the new "mama bear," you would challenge anyone who threatened to harm your precious new bundle of joy.

But did you know that protecting your baby's health starts before conception?
If you smoke, drink alcohol, or use any illicit drug, you are putting your child at risk for potentially permanent and devastating health problems.
But you-like millions of women around the world-wonder, "Will an occasional glass of wine hurt my baby?"

Studies are not conclusive as to whether or not it is safe to consume alcohol in any amount. It is therefore recommended that you abstain from consuming alcohol until after your baby is born. This ensures your baby is not forced to fight the ill affects of alcohol while she is developing and growing in the womb.
Maternal consumption of drugs and/or alcohol poisons your baby and seriously affects her nervous system, blood vessels, and internal organs. These impacts significantly increase your baby's chances of having a low birth weight and brain damage.

Brain damage caused by alcohol, smoking, and/or drug use can lead to the development of cerebral palsy.

If you are already pregnant, it's not too late to stop exposing yourself and your baby to these potential hazards. The sooner you stop, the better for you and your baby. And if you plan to get pregnant, now is the time to start protecting your unborn child.

For any particular child, it's often impossible to pinpoint the cause of the problem. Doctors do know, however, that anything that interferes with a growing brain can trigger the condition. The risk of cerebral palsy increases dramatically if a pregnant woman smokes, drinks heavily, has diabetes, or catches German measles (also known as rubella). Some children with cerebral palsy didn't get enough oxygen in the womb, perhaps because of a small kink in the umbilical cord. Premature babies, who tend to suffer complications before and after birth, are much more likely than full-term babies to develop cerebral palsy; twins or triplets are also at greater risk for the condition. In some cases, cerebral palsy is caused by a head injury or a brain infection such as meningitis during the child's first two years of life.


The best way to prevent cerebral palsy is to protect your child's growing brain. If you are planning to get pregnant and have never had German measles, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated against the disease. If you are already pregnant, try to stay as healthy as possible. Get regular prenatal medical care, eat a nutritious diet, avoid smoking and alcohol, and always talk to your doctor before taking over-the-counter or prescription medicines or herbal supplements. If you learn that you have maternal diabetes, which occurs during some pregnancies, get treated for it right away and be vigilant in caring for yourself.

What is Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that significantly affects the body's motor functions. It is the result of a non-progressive brain injury or anomaly that is acquired early in life, sometimes before birth and usually before age 3.

 Hemiplegic cerebral palsy is one of several types of cerebral palsy, and specifically involves impaired motor function on one side of the body, affecting both the arm and the leg. Movement, balance and posture can all be affected by cerebral palsy, but severity of the symptoms vary greatly. There is no cure for hemiplegic cerebral palsy, or any other kind ofcerebral palsy, but early diagnosis followed by physical therapy, occupational therapy and medical care can significantly improve quality of life.

Cerebral palsy can be classified by what parts of the body it affects. For example, monoplegia is a variant of hemiplegic cerebral palsy but affects only one limb, while quadriplegic cerebral palsyaffects both sides of the body. It can also be classified by its physiological symptoms, such as:spasticity, meaning that the muscles are permanently contracted; athetosis, characterized by involuntary writhing movements; and ataxia, which causes problems with balance. Those diagnosed with mixed cerebral palsy have two or more physiological symptoms. Those diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy usually suffer from both quadriplegic cerebral palsy andmental retardation, as well as other debilitating conditions.

Hemiplegic cerebral palsy usually affects motor function and not intellectual capacity, and physical and occupational therapy can greatly improve physical capabilities. Persons with hemiplegic cerebral palsy often suffer from spasticity, and over time this contraction of the muscles leads to decreased muscle growth. This can cause decreasing mobility, but early intervention and therapy can help strengthen the affected muscles, making it possible to retain and develop motor function. Most children with this syndrome learn how to walk independently, sometimes with the help of splints and braces.


A wide variety of factors can cause cerebral palsy. Sometimes the brain injury occurs before birth because of genetic disorders, various infections affecting the mother or oxygen deprivation. In other cases, the injury occurs in the first years of life, caused by head traumas, brain hemorrhages or infections like meningitis. When a person has been diagnosed with hemiplegiccerebral palsy, it is important that an extensive neurological evaluation is done to determine the extent of the brain injury and what kind of support is needed. There are many cerebral palsysupport groups available that can help both those with the disorder and their families find help, resources and information.

What is Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that significantly affects the body's motor functions. It is the result of a non-progressive brain injury or anomaly that is acquired early in life, sometimes before birth and usually before age 3.

 Hemiplegic cerebral palsy is one of several types of cerebral palsy, and specifically involves impaired motor function on one side of the body, affecting both the arm and the leg. Movement, balance and posture can all be affected by cerebral palsy, but severity of the symptoms vary greatly. There is no cure for hemiplegic cerebral palsy, or any other kind ofcerebral palsy, but early diagnosis followed by physical therapy, occupational therapy and medical care can significantly improve quality of life.

Cerebral palsy can be classified by what parts of the body it affects. For example, monoplegia is a variant of hemiplegic cerebral palsy but affects only one limb, while quadriplegic cerebral palsyaffects both sides of the body. It can also be classified by its physiological symptoms, such as:spasticity, meaning that the muscles are permanently contracted; athetosis, characterized by involuntary writhing movements; and ataxia, which causes problems with balance. Those diagnosed with mixed cerebral palsy have two or more physiological symptoms. Those diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy usually suffer from both quadriplegic cerebral palsy andmental retardation, as well as other debilitating conditions.

Hemiplegic cerebral palsy usually affects motor function and not intellectual capacity, and physical and occupational therapy can greatly improve physical capabilities. Persons with hemiplegic cerebral palsy often suffer from spasticity, and over time this contraction of the muscles leads to decreased muscle growth. This can cause decreasing mobility, but early intervention and therapy can help strengthen the affected muscles, making it possible to retain and develop motor function. Most children with this syndrome learn how to walk independently, sometimes with the help of splints and braces.


A wide variety of factors can cause cerebral palsy. Sometimes the brain injury occurs before birth because of genetic disorders, various infections affecting the mother or oxygen deprivation. In other cases, the injury occurs in the first years of life, caused by head traumas, brain hemorrhages or infections like meningitis. When a person has been diagnosed with hemiplegiccerebral palsy, it is important that an extensive neurological evaluation is done to determine the extent of the brain injury and what kind of support is needed. There are many cerebral palsysupport groups available that can help both those with the disorder and their families find help, resources and information.

Brain Injury or Malformation Occurs in Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is caused by brain injury or brain malformation that occurs before, during, or immediately after birth while the infant’s brain is under development. But how a brain injury affects a child’s motor functioning and intellectual abilities is highly dependent on the nature of a brain injury, where the damage occurs, and how severe it is.

The cause of cerebral palsy is a brain injury or brain malformation that occurs while the brain is developing — before, during, or after birth. As a result of the brain damage during brain development a child’s muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance can be affected. It can also impact a child’s fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and oral motor functioning.

Every case of cerebral palsy is unique to the individual. This is due in part by the type of injury, extent of injury, and the timing of injury to the developing brain. The brain damage that causes cerebral palsy is a result of either:
Prenatal disturbance of brain cell migration - genetic and environmental factors disturb brain cell migration as cells move to their appropriate location during brain development.

Prenatal poor myelination (insulation) of developing nerve cell fibers – brain function is impeded when poor myelin provides an inadequate protective covering over nerve cells that aid in the transmission.
Perinatal brain cell death – events in the birthing process that rupture blood vessels or starve oxygen to the brain.

Postnatal non-functional or inappropriate connections (synapses) between brain cells – trauma, infections, and asphyxia that damage connections developed in the brain.

What are Cerebral Palsy Seizures?

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person’s movement, balance, and coordination. The degree to which a person is affected typically varies from patient to patient, and some patients have fewer symptoms than others. In some cases, a person with this condition has seizures that develop in relation to the disorder. In such a case, a person is said to have cerebral palsy seizures. There are two types of seizures that are commonly seen incerebral palsy patients. The first type is called a tonic-clonic seizure, during which the patient typically loses consciousness; the second is called a complex-partial seizure, which doesn't usually render the patient unconscious, but causes strange behaviors that he likely won't remember.

Damage or injury to the brain is at fault when a person is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Symptoms of the condition may be rather mild, or they can be serious enough to impair even the simplest of movements or coordination efforts. Often, a person with this condition will experience muscle spasms and find walking, running, and balancing difficult. A cerebral palsypatient may also find it hard to write, or even speak in some cases. Additionally, the brain damage that causes cerebral palsy may also cause a patient to have problems with seeing, hearing, or learning; some patients also experience seizures.

While it is possible for a person with cerebral palsy to experience other types of seizures, tonic-clonic and complex-partial cerebral palsy seizures are among the most common. Tonic-cloniccerebral palsy seizures, also called grand mal seizures, often begin with a short scream from the patient. Then, the patient typically falls and experiences muscle stiffening, which marks the tonic stage of this type of seizure. Next, during the clonic phase, the patient usually experiences jerking and twitching of his arms and legs. Often, a cerebral palsy patient will lose control of his bladder during this type of seizure, and he may not remember the event once he regains consciousness.

Complex-partial cerebral palsy seizures don't usually involve the loss of consciousness. Instead, a patient may develop a blank stare and seem unaware of what is happening around him. At that point, he may make random movements that appear clumsy or move his mouth in a manner that resembles chewing. Sometimes a person will try to remove his clothing, wander about, or mumble during a complex-partial seizure. An individual may also feel fear and attempt to get away from others during this type of seizure, but may not remember the incident once it is over.


In many cases, doctors are able to prescribe medications to prevent cerebral palsy seizures. The effectiveness of this type of treatment may depend on the type of seizures a person is having and the drug that is used. Sometimes surgery is used for the treatment of cerebral palsyseizures as well.

What is Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy?

Spastic diplegia cerebral palsy is the most common form of cerebral palsy, making up more than 70 percent of known cases. Like all forms of cerebral palsy, it is caused from a trauma to the brain either right before, during, or after birth. There is no cure for the condition, only treatments that can help make living with the condition easier.
Spastic diplegia cerebral palsy directly affects the legs, with some minor affliction of the arms. Like all forms of cerebal palsy, it is caused by damage or abnormalities in the brain. In the case of spastic diplegia, these disruptions affect the brain's ability to communicate and control how the legs move and respond to stimuli. As a result, it causes a tightness of the muscles in the legs that can make walking awkward, difficult, or in some cases completely impossible. Tremors and other involuntary movements are also common.
Cases of spastic diplegia cerebral palsy are classified by their severity. Individuals with mild diplegia may only show slight symptoms, such as an unusual gait or limp. Many times they can walk unassisted and require little additional care.
Those with moderate cases of spastic diplegia can sometimes walk on their own, but they may need aids such as crutches or a walker for day-to-day travel. Often they will require the need of a wheelchair if traveling long distances. Individuals with severe spastic diplegia cerebral palsy may be completely unable to walk and need a wheelchair or other assistance at all times.
In addition to decreased motor function of the legs, there are other conditions that are commonly found in people diagnosed with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. More than 60 percent of those suffering from the condition will also have some form of mental retardation or learning disability, and 50 percent may suffer from repeated seizures. Other common complications ofcerebral palsy can include stunted growth, poor eyesight, and spinal problems such as scoliosis.
Children with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy are more likely to have communication disorders affecting speech, eyesight, and hearing. Their poor motor control may also extend to the muscles of their throat and mouth, leading them to suffer from excessive drooling. Poor muscle control related to cerebral palsy may also lead to partial or complete incontinence.

Treatment for all types of cerebral palsy, including spastic diplegia, tend to include a combination of drugs, braces, and physical therapy. Surgery is sometimes an option, but it is most effective on younger children who are first exhibiting symptoms of the condition.

Relation Article

What is Mild Cerebral Palsy?

What is Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy?


What is Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy?

What is Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy?

What is Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a general term for many different nervous system deformities and disorders that are usually present at birth. Hypotonic cerebral palsy is one of the least common forms of the condition, but it is often one of the most debilitating. Babies who are born with hypotoniccerebral palsy have very little muscle tone and they are unable to control the movement of their heads, arms, or legs. Ongoing physical therapy and medical care can help to manage some symptoms, but most individuals living with the disorder need a great deal of assistance to accomplish daily tasks.
Most cases of hypotonic cerebral palsy are the result of brain injuries or infections acquired during prenatal development. A mother who has a serious infection, such as rubella or German measles, may transfer it to her fetus. Congenital spinal cord defects, premature birth, or oxygen deprivation during labor can also affect the brain's ability to regulate muscle development and movement. Rarely, a serious brain injury acquired in the first year of life can cause hypotonic symptoms.
When an infant is born with severe hypotonic cerebral palsy, the signs are usually obvious right away. Most newborns have some difficulty moving their head, but infants with hypotonic conditions have entirely limp necks. Doctors often use the term rag doll to describe critically hypotonic babies who show no control over their necks, legs, or arms. If the symptoms are not as severe, the condition may be diagnosed after a series of reflex, breathing, and swallowing tests.
Depending on the degree of muscle involvement, an infant may need to stay in a critical care unit for several weeks or months. Babies who are able to breathe and swallow with minimal assistance may be allowed to go home. As infants continue to develop, muscle tone issues become more prevalent. They are typically small and frail, and have significant difficulties learning to speak and swallow solid food. Intelligence is usually not affected by hypotoniccerebral palsy, but communication issues can impair a child's ability to learn.

Older children, adolescents, and adults living with hypotonic cerebral palsy can benefit from regular physical therapy. Trained therapists help patients learn how to use arm braces, motorized wheelchairs to maintain some degree of independence. Specialized exercise programs are designed to strengthen existing muscles as much as possible. Many patients are able to control their arms well enough to dress themselves, but they often still need assistance eating meals.

Relation Article

What is Mild Cerebral Palsy?
What is Hypotonic Cerebral Palsy?

What is Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy?

Surgery for People Who Have Cerebral Palsy

Surgery for people who have cerebral palsy (CP) may help reduce muscle stiffness or spasms and allow more flexibility and control of the affected limbs and joints.

Surgery choices for cerebral palsy
The main surgery choices are:
Orthopedic surgery (for muscles, tendons, and joints). It's done to increase range of motion. For example, the surgeon may lengthen a tendon, cut through muscles or tendons, or attach a tendon to a different part of the bone.2 Surgery to treat spinal curves (scoliosis) or to prevent or treat hip dislocation is also done.
Selective dorsal rhizotomy (cutting nerves of affected limbs) forcontracture or other mobility problems. This procedure is usually considered only for children who have severe muscle tightness in the legs.
Other surgeries related to cerebral palsy
Surgery for various orthopedic problems. Surgery for other problems is sometimes needed for children with CP. These surgeries vary depending on the specific problems involved. For example, some children may need surgery to correct uneven leg length.
Medicine-related surgery. A small pump is surgically implanted under the skin in the belly for some people who have CP. This pump can deliver medicines, such as baclofen, directly into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord.
When surgery may be used
A thorough checkup is needed to help the doctor find out which muscles and nerves are affected and what type of surgery would best treat the condition. A gait analysis may be part of the exam.
Doctors don't agree about the best age for children to have surgery for cerebral palsy. Some may suggest surgery at a young age, while others may suggest other treatments before surgery. Use this surgery information form to help you decide what's right for your child.
Surgery isn't used nearly as often for the arms as for the legs. Surgery on arm deformities carries more risks related to sensory damage.
Sometimes medicine or physical therapy is used to postpone or prevent the need for surgery.
Physical therapy after surgery

The type of therapy and special equipment needed after surgery (such as braces, casts, and splints) depends on the child's specific needs. Most children need physical therapy after surgery. In general, post-surgical physical therapy usually starts as soon as possible and may continue for as long as 6 months.

Foods to Avoid With Cerebral Palsy

Because it’s often difficult to know the trigger foods, it’s best to avoid those foods that can cause constipation and acid reflux. To reduce the potential for constipation, avoid foods that are the most problematic such as:

Processed snack and junk foods

Fried foods

Excessive red meat

Ice cream and cheese

These foods also have minimal nutritional value and should not replace healthy alternatives that include fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

The biggest triggers for acid reflux include:

Citrus fruits

Spicy foods

Garlic

Onions

Fatty meats

Carbonated beverages


Changing the way you feed your child or prepare his or her food can make a difference in the symptoms of cerebral palsy your child endures. Make the health and comfort of your child the biggest priority in your life.

Diet for Children With Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that can appear in either infancy or early childhood. Symptoms of cerebral palsy include lack of muscle coordination and spastic reflexes. Adequate nutrition is sometimes difficult for individuals with cerebral palsy so diet supplements or tube-feedings may be needed to meet nutritional needs.

Nutritional Risk Factors

Cerebral palsy can result in altered growth, failure to thrive and delayed or altered oral motor skill development that can result in aspiration. People with cerebral palsy may also have difficulty feeding themselves due to lack of motor skills. Common nutritional problems in cerebral palsy are inadequate intake of energy, protein, calcium, and vitamins. In addition to working with a dietitian and physician, it is often beneficial for children with cerebral palsy to work with a speech therapist to develop oral motor skill development.

General Diet Guidelines

People with cerebral palsy need to consume a balanced diet that includes an adequate amount of calories and protein. The diet should include a variety of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products and lean proteins. This will provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, which can help prevent common nutrient deficiencies. In order to achieve an adequate amount of calories, a meal replacement drink may be used.

Other Considerations


Depending on the severity of cerebral palsy, oral nutrition may be needed. In some cases, tube-feedings are needed to meet nutritional needs. One option for long-term nutrition is using a PEG, which is gastric tube that is surgically put in place. Several healthcare professionals are involved in treating cerebral palsy and include a physician, registered dietitian, speech therapist and a physical therapist. These healthcare professionals, along with others, can develop a treatment plan based on individual needs.

Exercises for children with cerebral palsy

There’re only a few other things that can benefit a child with cerebral palsy as much as regular physical exercise. See our five exercise suggestions that will quickly pay off in better health and a much happier mood of your young one.
Regular physical exercise for children with cerebral palsy has time and again proven crucial to improving their basic motor functioning, level of fitness and overall health.

Scientific data consistently shows that exercise helps to relax muscles and lowers blood pressure. Through exercising, the body also releases chemical substances called endorphins that are known to reduce the brain's perception of pain. Stress and anxiety levels drop significantly and trigger a good mood, which is extremely beneficial for anyone struggling with any type of disability. Try to fit a regular exercise schedule in your child's daily routine, and the result will be an overall happier life for him or her and you as a parent.
We propose five easy yet very effective exercises that kids with cerebral palsy will benefit from immensely.
1. Arm and leg stretch
Stretching is very important for improving motor functions. Lie your child on his back on a flat surface, with arms spread out sideways and legs stretched out in front. Take your child's foot in your hand and tell him or her to press it like like it’s an accelerator pedal. Do the same with his hand. Hold the stretch for five seconds and repeat three times with each arm and leg.
2. Walk in a square
Draw a square on the ground and gently support your child's posture to take steps forwards and backwards along the drawn line. Follow all four sides of the square without changing direction. You can also add some fun to it: play a chipper song in the background and ask your child to pick a toy at every corner of the square.
3. Reach for the toy
This exercise is excellent for practicing balance and getting rid of the fear of walking. Tie a firm cloth around your child's chest and hold it. Make sure it hangs loosely, but always be ready to catch him if he falls. Place your child's favorite toy on the other side of the room and motivate him to go get it. Once he gets hold of the toy, reward him with a hug and a kiss. Repeat several times using different locations in the house.
4. Push the cart
Encourage your child to actively participate in your daily chores whenever possible. If balance or walking problems are the biggest issue, pushing a small cart or trolley under your supervision could be really beneficial. Fill the cart with some light groceries to push from point A to point B (for instance, from the hall to the kitchen). Don't forget to reward your kid for helping and make the whole practice a fun affair!
5. Walk in water

The merits of water therapy on kids with cerebral palsy are well known. Water may help your child feel calmer and more serene, so make use of a nearby swimming pool or beach as much as you can. For a start, let your kid kick against the water while holding onto the side of the pool or simply walk in shallow (knee- or ankle-deep) water. With time, you can step it up a notch by encouraging him deep-water walking with broad strides in waist- or chest-deep water. Just make sure that you constantly keep an eye on your child and provide physical support when needed.

Diet of Cerebral Palsy With Protein and Vitamins

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disability caused by brain damage before, during birth, or in the first years of life, resulting impaired muscular control/coordination and speech/learning deficits
Incidence: 1 out of 3,000 children
Protein and Fluids
• Protein
– RDA using chronologic age or height-age if growth significantly below chronologic age
• Fluids
– Higher needs
• Constipation
• Drooling
• Excessive sweating
– Use Holliday-Segar Method
Vitamins and Minerals
• Most common deficiencies
– A, D, C, folate, iron and calcium
• Monitor
– Iron, protein, vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus
• Inadequate po intake
• Drug-nutrient interactions

• Decreased mobility

Life Expectancy of 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 With Cerebral Palsy

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.

Vitamins May Complement Treatment For Epilepsy

Along with a healthy diet, certain vitamins can help decrease seizures in epilepsy. Keep in mind that vitamins alone don’t work. You should also follow your doctor’s instructions to prevent a possible overdose.
The most frequently used vitamins for epilepsy are:
folic acid
vitamin B6
vitamin D
vitamin E
Part 4 of 6: Mind Control
Self-Control and Biofeedback
Some people with epilepsy try to control their brain activity to reduce the frequency of seizures. The theory is that if you can detect symptoms of an impending seizure, then you may be able to stop it.
According to NYU Langone Medical Center, some patients experience symptoms 20 minutes before a seizure. Others might feel symptoms for several days leading up to the event, including:
anxiety
depression
fatigue
bad headaches
Self-control methods are used to prevent or decrease the intensity of the seizure once it arrives. There are varying techniques, all which require good concentration and focus. Examples of such methods are:
meditation
walking
immersing in a task
sniffing a strong odor
literally telling the seizure “no”
Oftentimes, these methods are too good to be true. The problem is there is no single technique to stop a seizure, and there is no guarantee it will work every time.
Another method involves biofeedback. Like self-control measures, the purpose of the process is to take control of your brain activity. Biofeedback utilizes electrical sensors to alter brain waves.

Physical therapists commonly use biofeedback. If you’re interested in this procedure, seek a professional — don’t fall for a biofeedback practitioner without credentials.

Life expectancy Cerebral Palsy

Most children with cerebral palsy can live long, happy, quality lives. Admittedly, their care may involve more visits to health care practitioners, require therapy or medications, and perhaps surgery at some point. They may be evaluated for special education assistance and require assistive technology devices and services, but a child’s physical impairment, in general, will not limit his or her life span. However, the severity level of the child’s condition, as well as improper management of his or her symptoms, may put the child at risk for diminished life expectancy. Research indicates properly managing a child’s health status may assist in optimizing life span.
Cerebral palsy, in itself, is a condition that does not progress. This means the one-time injury to the brain, which is responsible for the cerebral palsy and the resulting mobility impairment, will not worsen or change over time. However, other health issues, known as associate conditions and co-mitigating factors, are not caused by the same brain injury, and may change over time. Depending on severity and management practices, these conditions may change over time and can have an impact – for better or worse – on overall health status and life expectancy. Conditions found commonly with cerebral palsy include cognitive impairment, feeding difficulties, seizure activity, vision impairment, and hearing impairment.
Sometimes, a newborn will pass at or soon after the time of birth, leaving parents devastated and wondering how or if they might have prevented the child’s death. With advancement of technology and science, more babies are indeed surviving at birth, when previously they would not, but some have severe outcomes. Sometimes the brain injury is too severe and presents a life-threatening, unavoidable situation, while other times a different set of circumstances, such as low birth weight and prematurity, may have caused the child’s death, not cerebral palsy. Many reasons for premature death exist.
The majority of children with cerebral palsy are diagnosed within the first 3-5 years of life. Once diagnosed, focus is placed on managing the child’s physical impairments and overall health. For instance, a child with cerebral palsy may have oral motor dysfunction, meaning facial muscles are impaired and hence, chewing and swallowing are more difficult. This, in itself, is not necessarily a life-threatening condition. If the child chokes or aspirates due to the swallowing difficulty, however, they are at greater risk for contracting pneumonia and infections. These conditions are serious and must be managed properly to optimize the child’s health status.

None of these, or any other factors, guarantee a shortened life expectancy, instead a call for proper management of health conditions. Children with severe cerebral palsy and a number of co-mitigating factors, have been known to live a near-normal life span. Every situation is unique and dependent upon many factors.

Information about chinese medicine for cerebral palsy treatment

Affecting Life Span 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.

Predicting how life span is altered by a medical condition is nearly impossible, although it is of great concern to parents. Doctors often aren’t able to immediately diagnose cerebral palsy in newborns, and even when they can, it typically takes months to years to accurately assess the level and extent of impairment a child will experience.
For an accurate estimation, primary care physicians wait for the brain to fully develop, observe the child over time and gauge key developmental milestones.
Therapy, treatment, and technology continue to advance in ways that minimize effects of impairment, while worldwide and national policy initiatives focus on ensuring barrier-free, accessible environments in home, school, transportation, recreation, government, and public space.
Although it may be difficult to determine a prognosis for a child with cerebral palsy, setting goals in cooperation with the child’s doctors and learning to properly manage impairment, associated conditions, and co-mitigating factors can improve outcomes.
Still, none of these factors indicate how a person’s life span will be affected. The majority of individuals with cerebral palsy live until late adulthood. However, while some individuals with severe impairments may live a long time, the more severe the impairment and the greater number of health conditions, the higher the likelihood of a shorter life span.
Properly managing these conditions will help minimize risk and optimize life expectancy. In particular, eight factors are identified as areas of concern which have the capacity to shorten life span in cases of cerebral palsy. They are:
Number of impairments and key disabilities
Severity level
Mobility restrictions
Feeding difficulties
Seizures
Cognitive functioning
Visual acuity
Respiratory functioning

These are detailed below.
Additional information can be found at Life Expectancy of Cerebral Palsy.

Types of syndromes Epilepsy And Herbal Treatment for Epilepsy Acupuncture

Always seen in the stage of cerebral edema of toxic encephalopathy, in the case of the primary disease, with abrupt high fever, headache, vomitting, restlessness, delirium, drowsiness, convulsions of the limbs, involuntary staring, lockjaw or unconsciousness, deep-red tongue with yellow and dry fur, stiffness of the extremities and neck, either taut and rapid or slippery and rapid pulse.

Herbal Treatment Epilepsy

Epilepsy (sometimes referred to as a seizure disorder) is a common chronic neurological condition that is characterized by recurrent unprovoked epileptic seizures

Acupuncture  Herbal Cure Epilepsy 

Epilepsy is the most common serious neurological condition in the UK. 1 in every 130 adults and children in the UK has epilepsy. This means that there are around 450,000 people with epilepsy in the UK.

Treatment Cure Epilepsy

Epilepsy is currently defined as a tendency to have recurrent seizures (sometimes called fits). A seizure is caused by a sudden burst of excess electrical activity in the brain, causing a temporary disruption in the normal message passing between brain cells.

Herbal Research for Epilepsy

Sometimes the reason epilepsy develops is clear. It could be because of brain damage caused by a difficult birth; a severe blow to the head; a stroke which starves the brain of oxygen; or an infection of the brain such as meningitis.

Brain Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that makes people susceptible to seizures. A seizure is a change in sensation, awareness, or behavior brought about by a brief electrical disturbance in the brain.

Acupuncture Treatment For Epilepsy


Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which clusters of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain sometimes signal abnormally. In epilepsy, the normal pattern of neuronal activity becomes disturbed, causing strange sensations, emotions, and behavior or sometimes convulsions, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness.

What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system, specifically the brain. In simple terms, our nervous system is a communications network that controls every thought, emotion, impression, memory, and movement, essentially defining who we are. Nerves throughout the body function like telephone lines, enabling the brain to communicate with every part of the body via electrical signals. In epilepsy disorder characterized by transient but recurrent disturbances of brain function that may or may not be associated with impairment or loss of consciousness and abnormal movements or behavior.Close the brain's electrical rhythms have a tendency to become imbalanced, resulting in recurrent seizures.

The brain is an extraordinarily complex organ. When it comes to understanding epilepsy, there are several concepts about the brain you'll need to learn.
The first is that the brain works on electricity. Normally, the brain continuously generates tiny electrical impulses in an orderly pattern. These impulses travel along the network of nerve cells, called neurons, in the brain and throughout the whole body via chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. A seizure sudden, excessive discharge of nervous-system electrical activity that usually causes a change in behavior.Closeoccurs when the brain's nerve cells misfire and generate a sudden, uncontrolled surge of electrical activity in the brain.

Another concept important to epilepsy is that different areas of the brain control different functions.


If seizures arise from a specific area of the brain, then the initial symptoms of the seizure often reflect the functions of that area. The right half of the brain controls the left side of the body, and the left half of the brain controls the right side of the body. So if a seizure starts from the right side of the brain, in the area that controls movement in the thumb, then the seizure may begin with jerking of the left thumb or hand.

Home Treatment For Cerebral Palsy In Children

Family members working together with doctors can use home treatment to provide the best possible care for a child with cerebral palsy (CP).

Tips for parents and family members for cerebral palsy patients

Learn about the condition. Being informed can help you understand how best to help your child. Local or national cerebral palsy organizations can help, especially in dealing with the impact of daily emotional and lifestyle issues. Talk with your doctor or call your local hospital for suggestions. For more information, see the Other Places to Get Help section of this topic.

Learn about your child's educational rights. Laws in the United States give children with special needs access to free public school services and some free treatments. These educational rights also include protection of the parents' rights to be fully informed about or disagree with educational decisions concerning their child. Contact your state and local education departments for specific information about these accommodations. Also, vocational trainingmay benefit some teens and young adults.

Work with teachers and school officials. Work with your child's teachers, school administrators, special learning consultants, and school boards to develop the best educational plan for your child. A cooperative team approach helps your child realize his or her potential.

Provide emotional support. The needs of a child with CP change over time. As children grow and become more aware of their physical limitations, they need to be able to talk about their feelings and how they are treated. It is sometimes easier for them to talk with someone who isn't a family member. Ask your doctor about whether emotionalcounseling would benefit your child. Also, include your child when making decisions about his or her health care.


Take care of yourself. Get proper rest, eat well, exercise, and learnways to cope with the challenges of raising a child with CP. You will be better equipped to help your child when you have physical energy and emotional strength.

How to Prevent for Cerebral Palsy

When a child is born with cerebral palsy, the reasons are often because of preventable events that occur prior to birth, during the delivery process, or immediately after birth. Many work diligently towards preventing cerebral palsy by identifying risks, developing prevention measures, and implementing educational campaigns.
Cerebral palsy is the most common childhood motor disability. According to population-based studies performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cerebral palsy affects 1.5 to 4 per 1,000 live births in the United States. The CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network also estimates that one in every 323 children has cerebral palsy.
The reasons prevention is so important can be seen in the faces and bodies of children with cerebral palsy. Current estimates outline a very human toll; cerebral affects more boys than girls. About 77 percent of children with cerebral palsy suffer from spasticity, and 41.8 percent could not walk independently. Another 30.6 percent had no ability to walk.
There is also a financial toll, both for families and society. Among children that were enrolled in Medicaid in 2005, the highest costs were incurred on behalf of children with cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities. Medical costs for children with cerebral palsy were 10 times higher than for unaffected children in 2005. If a child had cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability, those costs were 26 percent higher. If a child was born with cerebral palsy in 2000, it’s estimated that lifetime care could cost $11.5 billion.
There will never be a time when all cases of cerebral palsy are prevented. But there are measures that can be taken by all stakeholders to stem the tide of new cases. As is true with other medical conditions, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Cerebral palsy is broken down into categories, congenital, acquired and genetic predisposition. Congenital cases are the result of brain damage that has occurred – sometimes for an unknown reasons – before a child is born. Additionally, cases where a birth complication occurs are also considered congenital.
Most acquired cases, however, occur after a child is born. A child may acquire cerebral palsy if he or she endured a brain injury through natural (stroke), accidental (car injury) or purposeful (shaken-baby syndrome) means, or if he or she comes down with an infection or a condition that slows blood flow to the brain. Genetic predispostion means that a child has a genetic make-up that through causal pathways may lead to cerebral palsy.

Measures can be taken to prevent both congenital and acquired cerebral palsy, but more options seem to be effective on curtailing acquired cases. In the case of genetic predisposition, a couple who is aware that they have a predisposition are able to ascertain whether they would like to conceive, adopt or foster children which can be viewed as a form of prevention to some extent.

Cerebral Palsy Symptoms ,Therapy ,Life Expectancy ,Causes , Diagnosis , Diet

Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is a non-hereditary result of early brain lesions responsible for motor deficits exclusive or predominant.
Cerebral palsy is linked to brain damage occurred in the antenatal or perinatal period. Specific disorders of higher functions may be associated (perceptual disturbances, sensory disturbances).
The incidence of this disease has changed little over the past 10 years, despite the stricter monitoring of pregnancies and perinatal care (since 1970) and the decrease of prematurity.
Cerebral palsy symptoms
The warning signs are often reported by parents. Listening carefully to parents and close monitoring of children at risk should lead to early diagnosis.
The first cerebral palsy symptoms are: a child who does not keep his head, who can crawl with the help of the lower limbs, who was slow to sit alone, who uses only one hand.
Cerebral palsy attorney
Cerebral palsy attorney represent a group of people specialized in kids with cerebral palsy. They help parents with information in order to see if cerebral palsy was caused in the delivery.
Cerebral palsy children
Unfortunately cerebral palsy children increased in the last years. Even though two kids have cerebral palsy they act differently and have different symptoms. It depends on the proportion of the brain damage. Cerebral palsy children can be caused during pregnancy in the delivery nut also after delivery. There are some factors that may favor cerebral palsy like head wounds.If your child have cerebral palsy is well to help him as much as possible, to go to specialists who can really offer them moral but also pshysical support. You should also try to to give them foods that make available for the organism a lot of vitamins. Vision and hearing may also be affected.
Athetoid cerebral palsy
Athetoid cerebral palsy is one of the five cerebral palsy types. It is a severe case because it affects the entire body. Children with athetoid cerebral palsy have muscles problems, they find difficult to walk or to seat by themselves and they also have problems eating or drinking.
Cerebral palsy therapy
Cerebral palsy therapy involves a physical therapy in order to help the affected muscles but also a drug therapy. The purpose of cerebral palsy therapy is to develop the children skills so he can eat move without help.
Cerebral palsy treatment
Physical therapy (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, electrotherapy) is fundamental. The devices and orthopedic surgery are very important to quickly obtain results.
The speech therapy and the anti-epileptic drugs are also essential in cerebral palsy treatment.
The digestive and nutritional problems should be detected. Children are often hypotrophic because of their feeding difficulties. The diet should be enriched with vitamin D, iron and folic acid. Patient should drink a lot.
Respiratory disorders are associated with respiratory muscle weakness and choking. Treatment involves chest physiotherapy, aerosol and antibiotics in case of superinfection.
All the usual vaccinations should be performed. Dental care should not be forgotten.
The behavior in the family is sometimes difficult. The assistance of a physician or psychologist is often necessary.
Disabled children must be treated by other members of his family in the most natural way possible. The morale of the child depends on the parents attitude.
Cerebral palsy life expectancy
Cerebral palsy life expectancy is different from person to person. It depends on the therapy and treatment but also on the severity of the case. Cerebral life expectancy is around 60 if the child has a mild form of cerebral palsy. If he has a severe form the cerebral life expectancy is around 30 years.
Cerebral palsy causes
Monitoring of pregnancy and childbirth are the best guarantee of a healthy child. Among cerebral palsy causes there are: infections, brain wounds, trauma, prematurity birth or metabolic disease.
Cerebral palsy surgery
Extreme rigidity and spasticity require a cerebral palsy surgery. Cerebral palsy surgery is an option in cases of high malnutrition reflux, respiratory repeated incidents, anemia or esophagitis.
Types of cerebral palsy
There are five main types of cerebral palsy: hemiplegia, displegia, quadriplegia, diskinetic and ataxic. There is also mixed cerebral palsy. The most serious case of cerebral palsy is quadriplegia. In displegia the lower limbs are more affected then the upper limbs.
In hemiplegia it is affected one side of the body. Diskinetic cerebral palsy means that kids have difficulty walking and speaking. This type of cerebral palsy does not affects the intelligence. Ataxic form affects the balance of the child.
Cerebral palsy diagnosis
In order to have a cerebral palsy diagnose, physical and neurological examinations are required. Then the doctor will perform others tests like magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound and computerized tomography.
Cerebral palsy diet

Cerebral palsy diet require foods reach in vitamin D, folic acid, calcium, potassium. Kids should drink plenty of milk and water and should consume fresh fruits and vegetables.