Cerebral Palsy and Walking
Cerebral palsy is a developmental disorder brought on by different
neurological conditions. While it often varies in type and intensity, most forms
of cerebral palsy affect walking in some way. Some conditions affect muscle
tone, while others may make coordination difficult. Some forms of cerebral palsy
may even affect posture, making walking more challenging and sometimes
impossible.
Cerebral Palsy and Muscle Control
Some children with cerebral palsy have problems with muscle tone. The muscles
may be spastic, causing them to be flexed and rigid. Alternatively, they may be
flaccid, "floppy" and weak. In either case, problems with muscle tone not only
make leg movements challenging, but it can make standing difficult. Some forms
of cerebral palsy cause problems with coordination and walking even though
muscle tone may not be the problem. For instance, ataxic cerebral palsy causes
tremors and difficulties with depth perception. Children with this form of
cerebral palsy often walk with a wide, staggering gait pattern. Dyskinetic
cerebral palsy, on the other hand, causes uncontrollable writhing movements.
This can also make coordinating the legs challenging, including when bearing
weight and walking.
Just because a child has cerebral palsy does not mean he will not be able to
walk. In fact, a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics reported that about
70 percent of children with cerebral palsy are actually able to walk, either
with or without an assistive device. Only about 30 percent of those with
cerebral palsy have no walking ability. Of course, this does not mean walking
with cerebral palsy is easy for that 70 percent. In most children with cerebral
palsy, the key developmental stages that lead to walking are delayed. These
include rolling over, sitting up and crawling. Because of this, they will often
not learn to walk at the so-called “normal” developmental time. Walking may be
delayed by months or even years.
To succeed in walking, the child with cerebral palsy needs some assistance.
Consult a physician or therapist who can help get the ball rolling for children
with cerebral palsy who want to walk. Doctors may prescribe medications that
keep symptoms in check, such as controlling spasms and muscle tone. Physical
therapy can be crucial for children with cerebral palsy, to help them develop
muscle control and improve their coordination. Children may also be more
successful with walking if they use leg braces to improve stability, or
assistive devices for walking, such as a specialized walker or crutches.
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