Cerebral Palsy, (CP) is a physical disorder primarily affecting the body’s muscle functions, speech and motor skills. The term “cerebral” references the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for transmitting signals to muscles throughout the body. The word “palsy” means “disorder of movement”. Cerebral Palsy results from brain damage or improper brain formation.
Cerebral Palsy was first identified in 1860 by a British doctor named William Little. Many CP cases are congenital, meaning that the disorder is present from birth. If the condition is not related to abnormal brain formation, then the brain damage occurs from environmental factors somewhere during the time frame from late-term pregnancy to immediately before or during childbirth.
7 Cerebral Palsy Statistics
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 10,000 newborns develop CP each year
- Approximately 764,000 people in the US exhibit some level of CP symptoms, 500,000 of which are under age 18
- Estimates show that between 1,200 to 1,500 of new CP cases populate the pre-school age group (3 to 4) each year in the US
- One third of children with CP exhibit zero mental or cognitive impairments
- Cerebral Palsy is the second most common disability in children, behind autism
- Cerebral Palsy affects 2.3 to 3.6 out of every 1,000 children
- Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common form and constitutes between about 70% of all cases of CP
Potential Conditions Leading to Cerebral Palsy
In cases where pregnancy monitoring shows normal fetus development, but the baby suffers a sudden onset of cerebral palsy at delivery, the obstetrician or hospital may be liable. Any parent who suspects this as a cause for their child’s CP should consider discussing the matter with a personal injury attorney.
- Oxygen Deprivation at Birth: A lack of oxygen and physical brain trauma are conditions which tend to occur during childbirth as a result of physical and environmental factors. Brain damage caused during childbirth is a leading accidental cause of CP. Obstetricians, the doctors responsible for childbirth and delivery, are sometimes found liable when this type of injury occurs during delivery. Often times, it may be difficult to determine if the obstetrician performed his/her role correctly during a delivery in which a brain injury occurred.
- Fetus Malformation: In comparison, damage to white matter, brain malformation, and brain hemorrhaging are primarily associated with some form of developmental abnormality that occurs while the fetus is still growing. It is important that expectant mothers receive proper medical care and checkups throughout the course of their pregnancy. During this time, prenatal testing may identify evidence of abnormal brain development and/or cerebral palsy prior to birth.
The Four Classifications of Cerebral Palsy
Four types of Cerebral Palsy, specific to the traits of the disorder, have been identified by the medical community:
- Spastic Cerebral Palsy: Characterized by spasticity, or muscle tightness (spasms and twitching) and permanent contractions. This is the most prevalent form of Cerebral Palsy.
- Atheiod or Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: This form consists of some muscle spasticity coupled with low or abnormal muscle tone. It is characterized mainly by uncontrolled, slow, writhing movements.
- Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: This form is notably less severe and uncommon when compared with Spastic Cerebral Palsy. A person retains basic physical control but primarily exhibits considerably impaired coordination and balance.
- Mixed Cerebral Palsy: This form is rare and contains a blend of symptoms from all types of Cerebral Palsy. Symptoms may be unpredictable and can vary in frequency, duration, and severity over a person’s lifetime.
References:
United Cerebral Palsy
US CDC
