#posturedisorders

[drchristophedelongsblog]

Cerebral Palsy (CP): Everything you need to know ‍

Cerebral palsy (CP), also known as cerebral palsy, is a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone or posture. It is caused by non-progressive lesions of the developing brain, usually occurring before birth, during childbirth or in the first years of life.

Infantile cerebral palsy

Infantile Cerebral Palsy manifests itself in early childhood and can vary considerably in terms of severity and type of motor disorder. Symptoms may include:

- Motor disorders: Difficulty controlling movement, muscle weakness, muscle stiffness (spasticity), involuntary movements (athetosis, ataxia), coordination disorders.

- Posture and balance disorders: difficulty keeping head upright, sitting, standing, walking.

- Speech and communication disorders ️: Difficulty articulating words (dysarthria), language disorders (aphasia).

- Eating disorders ️: Difficulty sucking, swallowing, chewing.

- Associated disorders: intellectual disability, epilepsy, visual disorders, hearing disorders, behavioral disorders.

 Adult cerebral palsy

Cerebral palsy is not a progressive disease, which means that brain damage does not worsen over time. However, symptoms may evolve and become more apparent in adulthood, particularly if the person did not receive appropriate care during childhood.

Adults with CMI may experience difficulties in their daily lives, including:

- Mobility: Difficulties getting around, carrying out physical activities, using public transport.

- Autonomy: Difficulty performing daily tasks, such as washing, dressing and eating.

- Communication ✍️: Difficulty expressing oneself, understanding others, using alternative communication tools.

- Professional life: Difficulties finding and keeping a job, adapting to the demands of the workplace.

- Social life: Difficulty forming relationships, participating in social activities, feeling included.

 Managing cerebral palsy

Management of cerebral palsy is multidisciplinary and individualized. It may include :

- Physiotherapy ️‍♀️: To improve muscle strength, coordination, balance and mobility.

- Occupational therapy ️: To help the person develop strategies to carry out activities of daily living independently.

- Speech therapy ️: To improve speech, communication and oro-motor functions (chewing, swallowing).

- Psychology: To support the emotional and psychological well-being of the person and their family.

- Social support: to facilitate social and professional inclusion.

- Medical treatments: To manage associated disorders, such as epilepsy or spasticity disorders.

- Surgery 🪡: In some cases, to correct orthopedic deformities or improve motor function.

How many people are affected by CMI worldwide?

It is estimated that there are around 17 million people with cerebral palsy (CP) worldwide. However, it is important to note that this figure is an estimate, and that the actual number of people with Cerebral Palsy could be higher, as many cases go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed.

Resources and associations

Many associations and organizations offer information, support and resources for people with CMI and their families. Don't hesitate to contact them for help and advice.

Conclusion

It's important to raise awareness of CMI and to support people with the condition and their families. People with CMI have the right to live full lives and participate in society.

Go further

[flyinhealth]

Posture disorders are mostly caused by long hours spent in the office, at school, at the desk and at the computer.