Cerebral Palsy

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Cerebral Palsy

• Rachel Allen, Sheryl Saxton

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What is it?

• Cerebral refers to the brains two halves and
  palsy describes any disorder that impairs control
  of body movement.
• The Official Parents Sourcebook on Cerebral
  Palsy Editors James N. Parker M.D. Philip M.
  Parker PH.D.

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Forms

• Spastic
• Athetoid
• Ataxic
• Spastic hemiplegia/ hemiparesis
• Spastic diplegia / diparesis
• Spastic quadriplegia/quadriparesis
• Dyskinetic cerebral palsy
• Atacic cerebral palsy
• Mixed types

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Other Conditions with CP

• Mental retardation
• Seizure disorder
• Delay growth and development
• Spinal deformities
• Impaired vision, hearing, speech
• Drooling
• Incontinence
• Abnormal sensations and perceptions

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What Causes CP?

• -Brain damage
• Damage to the white matter of the brain
• Abnormal development of the brain
• Bleeding in the brain
• Lack of oxygen

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How to cope with CP?

• Orthotic Devices
• Assistive Technology
• Keyboard, Pencil Grip, G-tube, etc.
• Therapies
• Drugs
• Surgery

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Treatment

• -Therapies
• Physical
• Occupational
• Recreational
• Controversial physical
• Speech and language
• Help with drooling and eating

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Treatment

• -Drugs
• Oral medication
• Botulinum toxin
• Intrathecal baclofen

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Treatment

• -Surgery
• Orthopedic
• Selective dorsal rhizotomy

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Implications for Parents

• CP Organizations
• Support
• Financial Assistance
• Finding Doctors
• Staying Current
• Patent Information
• USP United States Pharmacopoeia
• CAM Complimentary and Alternative Medicine

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More for Parents

• Research Studies Available
• www.clinicaltrials.gov www.nih.gov
• Brain
• Hand-Eye Coordination
• Tongue Pressures
• Heel Cord
• Acupuncture
• Toothbrushes

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Implications for Schools

• For Special Education Teachers
• Knowledge of Resources
• Knowledge of Spectrum of CP
• For School in General
• Accommodation
• Compassion