Archive for February, 2009
Friday, February 27th, 2009
Danny Burle asked: Thousands of individuals have cerebral palsy, so it’s understandable that we’d want to know exactly what causes the disorder. Cerebral palsy doesn’t just occur in children, but adults can also have it. Patients with cerebral palsy can often lead normal lives. However, symptoms could become worse if appropriate treatment isn’t administered. Let’s talk about the causes of cerebral palsy.
Although there isn’t an exact cause to this date that could explain cerebral palsy, there are several theories and risk factors associated with cerebral palsy. Basically, cerebral palsy is said to possibly come from genetic and non-genetic factors. It is also said that there are controllable variables and others that aren’t, effects from culture and exchange between cultures, concealed and evident influences and a combination of all the factors just mentioned connected to the development of cerebral palsy. The major possible causes of cerebral palsy include genetic disorders, alcohol, jaundice, malnutrition, low birth weight and oxygen shortage.
There are some risk factors that could contribute to the development of cerebral palsy. Take note though that these are risk factors, and not a sign that one does have cerebral palsy. Mothers who are 40 years onwards, mothers who are 20 years onwards, fathers 20 years/under and individuals of African-American ethnicity have an increased chance of developing cerebral palsy. Children also have risk factors for developing cerebral palsy. The first child, a child born fifth or later in the family, children with low birth weight, premature babies and one of a pair of twins are more likely to have cerebral palsy.
There are even more risk factors associated with cerebral palsy. These include ABO blood type incompatibility between infant and mother, an attack against the central nervous system of a baby by microorganisms and German measles during early pregnancy. Having a risk factor does not mean that you have cerebral palsy. However, since you have a higher chance of having it, it is best to consult a health care professional for more information and a proper diagnosis.
There are some possible causes of cerebral palsy in children. Injury such as asphyxia can cause damage to the brain and may therefore cause cerebral palsy. A child can choke on an object, suffer from poisoning, drown, fall in a vehicle accident, become severely infected and suffer from physical abuse. All these can contribute to cerebral palsy and other problems such as hearing loss to retardation. The possible causes of cerebral palsy in adults are similar. Damage to the brain is considered a factor in the development of cerebral palsy in adults.
Although the exact cause of cerebral palsy is still unknown, there are several ways to treat symptoms. Cerebral palsy isn’t a progressive disorder in which the brain damage worsens over time. However, the symptoms are the ones that might get worse due to wear and tear of the entire body. When it comes to treating cerebral palsy, a lot of support for the patient is needed. The possible causes of cerebral palsy will usually be discussed before a team of health care specialists is assigned to help the patient gain optimum results from treatment.
Dolores
Tags: American Ethnicity, Causes Of Cerebral Palsy, Central Nervous System, Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Palsy Children, Controllable Variables, Exact Cause, Genetic Disorders, Genetic Factors, Incompatibility, Low Birth Weight, Malnutrition, Premature Babies, Risk Factor, Risk Factors
Posted in Health | Comments Off
Wednesday, February 25th, 2009
thick_madam asked: My fiancee has cerebral palsy and we want to have a baby but wanted to know what are the chances that our baby would have it. Cerebral palsy runs on his side of the family but not mine. His grandad and a few of his uncles have it but what are the chances that our child would have it? It seems as if the ppl on his side of the family that have it are male so is it more likely that if we have a boy would he have it. Please help! Please no smart remarks…thank you in advance!
Pearl
Tags: Cerebral Palsy, Fiancee, Grandad, Ppl, Smart Remarks, Uncles
Posted in Other - Diseases | Comments Off
Monday, February 23rd, 2009
Carl M asked: I’ve been asked to come into a class of kindergartners and teach them about cerebral palsy because the teacher has a student with this condition. I myself was born with cerebral palsy so I have a lot of experience with the subject but I would really like to read the students a book and have them do an activity that mirrors the mild case of CP the student and I have. We both have problems with mobility, any suggestions?
Ella
Tags: Cerebral Palsy, Lot, Mild Case
Posted in Special Education | Comments Off
Friday, February 20th, 2009
Low Jeremy asked: A child who undergoes a crucial stage during the first few years of his life with some unwanted conditions which is not normal is considered as cerebral palsy. This will usually describe the damaged and impaired development of a child which will include the emotional and mental control of his movement and abilities.
A normal child can be far compared to a child who has cerebral palsy. The posture of a child can also be the basis to determine if he or she is sick of cerebral palsy. You might wonder what the causes of cerebral palsy are but there is really no exact known cause of cerebral palsy in a child.
Since they do not know the cause of cerebral palsy, doctors and scientists find it hard to come up with treatments. However, there can be a lot of factors that can add to the cause of cerebral palsy.
First is due to the infection during the pregnancy of the mother. When a pregnant mother experiences German measles, chances are, the child in her womb will be damaged.
Sometimes, if the blood group between the mother and the fetus is not compatible, the body of the pregnant mother may produce some unwanted antibodies which can destroy the cells of baby inside the mother’s womb.
If the mother experiences blood clotting, chances are, the fetus will also experience bleeding which will result to cerebral palsy. Another cause of cerebral palsy is due to child birth. When an infant lacks supply of oxygen, it will definitely result to damaging of the brain cells.
This kind of damaging will definitely result to cerebral palsy and other injuries such as mental retardation. Mental retardation can also be a form of cerebral palsy only that, the child’s mental ability is the only one affected. Seizure can be another result to damages during child birth.
If your child has experienced cerebral palsy due to child birth and medical malpractice, you can seek help from a medical malpractice lawyer so that you can get the right compensation that will help you with the child’s growth. Cerebral palsy due to medical malpractice is the most common cause.
Parents are seeking medical care and compensation because the child needs to undergo through a lot of physical treatments and medicines to keep up with the injury. If you are giving birth to a child, make sure that a professional doctor will be the one to help you.
Arthur
Tags: Antibodies, Brain Cells, Causes Of Cerebral Palsy, Cerebral Palsy, Child Birth, Damages, First Few Years, German Measles, Medical Malpractice Lawyer, Oxygen, Posture, Pregnant Mother, Seizure, Unwanted Conditions, Womb
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Monday, February 16th, 2009
9lives asked: And most importantly what is Cerebral Palsy
2 answers please…..
I’ll give stars and thumbs up!
Patricia
Tags: Cerebral Palsy, People, Surroundings
Posted in Medicine | Comments Off
Friday, February 13th, 2009
New York Personal Injury Law Firm asked: Cerebral palsy can result from a brain injury to the unborn baby during the development of fetus. However, there are several causes behind brain damage and some of the factors which can contribute to the condition are as given below:-
Maternal InfectionsIf the mother of an unborn child receives infection then it increases the chances of baby suffering from cerebral palsy. Some of these infections include:-
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Infection of the bladder or kidney
• Rubella
• Infection of the bloodstream such as Sepsis
• Chorioamnionitis, a uterus infection
• Toxoplasmosis
If you are pregnant and have any of the above infections, then you must see your doctor immediately.
Prenatal/Neonatal Infections & ComplicationsThe risk of cerebral palsy manifolds if you have an infection during neonatal/prenatal care:
• Bacterial meningitis
• Viral encephalitis
• Group B streptococcal infection
• Herpes group B
• Sepsis
• Rh incompatibility
• Severe Jaundice
• Premature Birth/Low Birth Weight
Having a premature delivery also increases the chances of baby born with symptoms of cerebral palsy. Premature infants are more vulnerable than babies with regular term. Most of these babies experience health related problems and have to be hospitalized. Pregnant mothers should also avoid intake of Smoke, Drug, and Alcohol. Mothers should also avoid stress otherwise it will put your baby at risk of cerebral palsy.
Some of the cerebral palsy cases can result from above causes. However, there are several cases where a child receives brain damage during the actual delivery. This damage to the brain can easily result in cerebral palsy. Injuries at birth should be prevented otherwise it could result in cerebral palsy.
Following are some of the causes which can result in Cerebral Palsy:-• Misdiagnosis of Maternal infections and not receiving proper medical care.
• Inability to Identify and act upon fetal distress
• C-secton not done in a timely manner
• Lack of oxygen to the newborn baby
• Improper usage of instruments such as forceps
Medical malpractice usually results from negligence on the part of medical staff. However, the financial stress of medical malpractice can be overwhelming for the parents of the newborn baby. It is your judicial right to receive compensation in case your child is a victim of medical negligence.
When should you contact a New York Cerebral Palsy LawyerIf your child has been a victim of medical error (within New York) which resulted in cerebral palsy, then you must contact a New York Cerebral Palsy Lawyer. The treatment of a child who is suffering from cerebral palsy is very expensive and can cost up to $500,000 over the child’s lifespan. If you find yourself in a similar situation then you must fight for your rights. You can file a medical malpractice lawsuit be compensated for treatments. You will also receive compensation for mental anguish, pain and suffering and other related costs. There is no known cure for cerebral palsy. The treatment of cerebral palsy is costly and you must speak with a New York Cerebral Palsy Lawyer who will help you receive justice and compensation.
Jacqueline
Tags: B Streptococcal Infection, Brain Damage, Brain Injury, Development Of Fetus, Drug And Alcohol, Experience Health, Group B Streptococcal Infection, Low Birth Weight, Medical Malpractice Lawyer, Neonatal Infections, Pregnant Mothers, Premature Delivery, Premature Infants, Symptoms Of Cerebral Palsy, Uterus Infection
Posted in Personal Injury | Comments Off
Thursday, February 5th, 2009
Danny Burle asked: Cerebral palsy actually affects so many of us that research continues to find out how to prevent the condition. Since it has no known cure to this date, prevention of the condition during pregnancy is usually stressed. There are, however, several treatments available to keep symptoms at bay. If you’re looking for cerebral palsy definition, there’s a lot more information these days than in previous years. This article will discuss the common questions regarding cerebral palsy.
So what exactly is cerebral palsy? When a child turns 3 years old, he or she is most likely able to coordinate motor movements such as sitting, walking, clapping, talking and smiling. However, if a child at this age is still unable to do those basic movements then he or she has a higher possibility of having cerebral palsy. In short, cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect motor movements and muscle coordination.
To this date no one knows what the exact cause of cerebral palsy is. But there have been several factors found to contribute to the condition. Damage to a certain area or areas of the brain during the developmental stages is said to trigger cerebral palsy. The areas affected are said to be those parts in the brain that control motor movements. The unanswered question is why the damage occurs in the first place.
Here is the basic cerebral palsy definition: “Cerebral” means brain and “palsy” refers to a disorder of posture or movement. The brain keeps on developing from the fetal stage in early pregnancy until the child is around 3 years old. Because cerebral palsy has a lot to do with the developing brain, it can occur before, during or after birth. The condition is not known to affect a child once the development of the brain is complete. For instance, a child who has no signs of cerebral palsy at 5 years of age is unlikely to have cerebral palsy.
Cerebral palsy definition isn’t limited to just one. There are actually 3 types of cerebral palsy, which are spastic cerebral palsy, Athetoid cerebral palsy and Ataxic cerebral palsy. Spastic cerebral palsy is what triggers stiffness and movement problems. Athetoid cerebral palsy on the other hand causes sluggish involuntary movements, or movements that are uncontrollable. Finally, Ataxic cerebral palsy causes problems in balance and perceiving depth.
So just how many individuals have cerebral palsy? In the United States alone there are almost 800,000 children and adults who experience a symptom or symptoms of cerebral palsy. It is estimated that around 10,000 babies born in the country will have cerebral palsy.
The signs of the condition are a large part of cerebral palsy definition. Early signs that occur before a child turns 3 years of age may show that the child hasn’t developed any motor skills. Cerebral palsy in infants will often trigger a developmental delay. Parents may notice that their child is not reaching developmental stages in which rolling over, crawling, smiling, walking or sitting aren’t being achieved. Other signs include abnormal muscle tone, unusual posture and a difficult pregnancy involving bleeding, fevers and infection.
Many are now aware of the cerebral palsy definition. Although there is still no cure, scientists and researchers have found possible ways to prevent cerebral palsy from developing in the first place. For instance, the administration of immunizations and folate during pregnancy is found to possibly prevent cerebral palsy in the child.
Tina
Tags: 3 Years, Areas Of The Brain, Cerebral Palsy, Definitions, Development Of The Brain, Developmental Stages, Exact Cause, Fetal Stage, Lot, Posture, Prevention, Several Factors, Signs Of Cerebral Palsy, Types Of Cerebral Palsy, Unanswered Question
Posted in Diseases And Conditions | Comments Off
Wednesday, February 4th, 2009
Alice Shown asked: An expectant mother has several important decisions to make regarding the birth of her unborn child. Where to deliver, who should deliver, and how to deliver are a few things to consider to ensure a safe and healthy birth.
It is very important to choose a delivering hospital that can handle emergency situations. Women with health problems or those who are at high risk for problems during the delivery process should give birth in a hospital. Hospitals offer the most advanced medical equipment and highly trained doctors for expectant mothers and their babies. In a hospital, doctors can do emergency cesarean sections if the mother or unborn baby is in danger or distress during labor. In some situations medical mistakes are made in which a child is born not breathing and requires intensive care. It is important to make sure that the hospital you choose has a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The NICU has specialized health care professionals and advanced medical equipment necessary to care for a child born with cerebral palsy.
Women have choices in who will deliver their unborn child, such as a nurse midwife or a medical doctor. An obstetrical doctor (OB) is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of expectant mothers and in delivering of babies. Obstetrical doctors also have special training in surgery so they are capable of doing episiotomies and cesarean sections if needed. Children with cerebral palsy are usually born with complications at birth. Such complications include a child who is born not breathing, the need for ventilator assistance to breath, and seizures following delivery. An obstetrical doctor is trained on how to handle unfortunate situations such as these. Although you don’t anticipate that your child will be born with these complications that result in cerebral palsy, an obstetrical doctor would be the best choice should the situation present itself.
A child can be born either naturally (NSVD) or by cesarean section. During a cesarean section delivery, the doctor makes an incision in the mother’s abdomen / uterus and removes the baby. This type of delivery is used if the mother has had a prior c-section, or if an emergency situation presents itself. When a child is experiencing fetal distress, a c-section can save the life of the unborn child. Most c-sections result in a healthy mother and baby, however, significant brain injury may have already occurred resulting in cerebral palsy. If your child was born with complications at birth resulting in cerebral palsy, you may want to consult with a qualified birth injury law firm to protect your special needs child.
Josephine
Tags: Cerebral Palsy, Emergency Cesarean, Health Care Professionals, Hospital Doctors, Intensive Care Unit, Medical Equipment, Medical Mistakes, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Nurse Midwife, Specialized Health Care, Unborn Baby, Unborn Child, Unexpected Problems, Unfortunate Situations, Ventilator Assistance
Posted in Pregnant Mothers | Comments Off