Expectant Parents – Facts You Need to Know About Cerebral Palsy

As an expectant mother, it feels like there are a thousand things you need to worry about. However, it does pay to know as much as you can about conditions that can happen as a result of things during the pregnancy, birth and neonatal period, especially when these can in some cases be avoidable.

Cerebral palsy is one such thing, and while not always avoidable, it can sometimes be the result of medical negligence, so it is well worth knowing about it so that you can ensure you are getting the best care. Many parents have been able to make a successful cerebral palsy claim for compensation, due to the fact their children experienced brain injury that could have been avoided by doctors.

Here are some facts you should know about cerebral palsy:

It Is Permanent and Can’t Be Cured

One of the main reasons why cerebral palsy is so devastating for the sufferer and their family is that there is no way to reverse it. It is caused by early brain damage, and that cannot be repaired.

There are some forms of treatment, however, that can make the level of disability less severe or manage pain. These can include physiotherapy, speech therapy and pain management. Surgery can sometimes also help if the effects of the condition on muscular tone and development have led to deformity.

Patients Usually Need Special Medical Care for Their Whole Lives

Cerebral palsy doesn’t always reduce life expectancy, however patients who have it usually need special care for their whole lives. Unless the effects of the brain damage are very mild, they may be unable to walk or move normally, may have severe postural and muscular issues, and may even have difficulty swallowing or feeding themselves.

A person with cerebral palsy may be able to work in some kinds of careers in later life, but in many cases, they will not.

Cerebral Palsy Can Cause Mental as Well as Physical Impairments

The effects on mental capabilities can vary dramatically, with some people displaying only physical symptoms, and others having very severe learning difficulties. Speech and communication can be affected even in patients with no intellectual impairment, due to effects on the facial muscles.

There Are a Lot of Potential Causes

Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term for all the types of conditions caused by early brain damage, and so as such, there is no one specific cause. Lack of oxygen to a baby’s brain during delivery can be a cause, as can head injury when a child is a new-born. Infections during pregnancy can also lead to brain injury when not treated properly. Babies most at risk are those born to women over 35, premature babies delivered at under 32 weeks, babies born in multiple births (like twins and triplets), and babies with a below average birth weight.

As you can see, this is a serious condition that is caused during pregnancy, birth or early life, and so it is one you should be aware of as a pregnant woman.