Guest Author - Jessica Steinmetz

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a common disability that affects 700,000 people. It’s not a disease or illness, it’s not hereditary, and you can’t catch it. CP is a condition. No two people with CP are alike in symptoms. I have cerebral palsy and am always surprised about how little people know about CP. I hope this article clears up any misconceptions you might have.

CP is an injury to the brain before, during, or in some cases after birth. The type and severity of CP depends heavily on where and how much the person’s brain suffered damage. In mild cases, CP may only affect one limb, but in severe cases, the entire body is affected.

Lack of oxygen, illness in mother, RH incompatibility factor, and Lesch-Nyan syndrome are possible causes of CP. Many times babies who are born premature have CP because the brain is not fully developed. Any brain damage that may occur shortly after birth can cause cerebral palsy.

Often doctors are slow in diagnosing a baby or toddler with CP. They might believe the baby is slowly developing. However, if you notice your baby is behind in development and has physical issues, I’d recommend asking if cerebral palsy could be a reason.

There are three types of cerebral palsy: Athetoid, Spastic, and Ataxic. One can also have a mixture of types – like I do. The most common mixture is athetoid and spastic.

Athetoid cerebral palsy means the person has involuntary movements. Your mind sends out signals to muscles, and they become jumbled. People with athetoid CP usually use a wheelchair, have some degree of a speech impediment, and may need help with daily needs such as feeding.

Spastic cerebral palsy means that the person’s muscles become rigid. They might have difficulty bending and moving their limbs.

Ataxic cerebral palsy is the only kind that mobility worsens with age. When you have ataxic CP, your balance and depth perception is affected

A small percentage of people with CP also have mental retardation or some learning disability. However, CP and learning differences are two completely different disabilities. Most people with CP have an average to above average IQ. Never assume someone who has CP is mentally disabled. Other disabilities someone with CP may have include epilepsy, visual impairments, and hearing impairments.

People with CP have a normal life expectancy, and most live typical lives. They earn degrees, jobs, and have families. Wheelchairs, walkers, and other pieces of technology assist someone with CP. For example, if someone is unable to speak clearly, they can use a portable computer that will speak for them.

Currently, there is no known cure for CP. Some medicines, such as baclofen a muscle relaxant, can help the symptoms of CP. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy help tremendously.

If you meet someone with CP, just remember they are a person just like you.