PARENTING CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Any parent or caregiver of a child with cerebral palsy knows how hard it gets when trying to meet the needs of such children. Though this may be a difficult task to them, they know that they are also not completely helpless especially if they are knowledgeable about the condition and how they can manage it. With regard to this, we would love to shade more light on what cerebral palsy is, in a bid to empower our readers and especially those who have children with the condition.

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a term used to describe a group of chronic disorders that impair control of movement due to damage to the developing brain. It usually develops the age of 2 or 3 and is a non- progressive brain disorder- it does not continue to worsen throughout life. However, the symptoms due to the brain damage often change over time -- sometimes getting better and sometimes getting worse. CP is one of the most common causes of chronic childhood disability. 

What Causes Cerebral Palsy?

Congenital cerebral palsy results from brain injury during a baby's development in the womb. It is present at birth, although it may not be detected for months. It is responsible for CP in about 70% of the children who have it. An additional 20% are diagnosed with congenital cerebral palsy due to a brain injury during the birthing process. In most cases, the cause of congenital cerebral palsy is unknown. Some possible causes include:

• Infections during pregnancy such as rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus (a herpes-type virus), and toxoplasmosis (an infection caused by a parasite that can be carried in cat feces or inadequately cooked meat).  These may damage a fetus' developing nervous system.
• Severe jaundice in the infant which in rare cases damage brain cells.  
• Rh incompatibility between mother and infant. In this blood condition, the mother's body produces antibodies that destroy the fetus's blood cells. This, in turn, leads to a form of jaundice in the newborn and may cause brain damage.  
• The physical and metabolic trauma of being born. This can precipitate brain damage in a fetus whose health has been threatened during development.  
• Severe oxygen deprivation to the brain or significant trauma to the head during labor and delivery.

In addition to the above, some risk factors that increase the possibility that a child will later be diagnosed with CP include:

• Breech births (with the feet, knees, or buttocks coming out first).  
• Vascular or respiratory problems in the infant during birth.  
• Physical birth defects such as faulty spinal bone formation, groin hernias, or an abnormally small jaw bone.  
• Receiving a low Apgar score 10 to 20 minutes after delivery. An Apgar test is used to make a basic, immediate determination of a newborn's physical health. For the test, the infant's heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, reflexes, and color are evaluated and given a score from 0 (low) to 2 (normal).  
• A low birth weight (less than 2,500 grams, or 5 lbs. 7.5 oz.) and premature birth (born less than 37 weeks into pregnancy).  
• Being a twin or part of a multiple birth.  
• A congenital nervous system malformation, such as an abnormally small head (microcephaly).  
• Seizures shortly after birth.
• Mothers who had bleeding or severe proteinuria (excess protein in the urine) late in their pregnancy have a higher chance of having a baby with CP, as do mothers who have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, mental retardation, or seizures.  

PS: Not all children who are exposed to these risk factors develop CP. However, parents and doctorS should be aware of these risks and watch an at-risk child's development carefully.

Signs of Cerebral Palsy

The signs of cerebral palsy usually develop before a child turns 3 and they can range from mild to severe. The early signs of cerebral palsy include:

1. Developmental delay: An infant with cerebral palsy may not learn to sit or walk or reach other developmental milestones at the appropriate age.
2. Abnormal muscle tone: The infant's body typically seems very stiff, though it may appear overly relaxed and floppy.
3. Unusual posture or body position.

Other signs may include:

• Dragging one foot or favoring one arm -- features which show uneven muscle function
• Lots of drooling or trouble sucking, swallowing, or talking
• Tremors

Treatment for Children with Cerebral Palsy

There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but early intervention can measurably improve your child's ability to manage the condition. Treatment options for children with cerebral palsy include:

• Physical therapy to help improve strength, flexibility, and balance
• Occupational therapy to help with fine-motor and self-care skills, also to install aids for the home and essential places
• Speech therapy to help improve communication, and possibly feeding and swallowing
• Hearing, vision, and other assistance devices
• Orthotic devices to improve balance and mobility
• Medication to prevent pain or seizures, or to relax muscles
• Surgery to improve severe cases of deformity or spasticity
• Counseling for behavior or adjustment issues.

Visiting nurse services can help put together packages of care as required, and they can help parents access and coordinate services when needed.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating a child with cerebral palsy. Each individual will have different symptoms, abilities, and needs. Be proactive in making sure your child gets the help and support he or she needs. Whether symptoms are mild or severe, your child deserves support to reach his or her maximum potential.

Support for Parents of Children with Cerebral Palsy

According to Roy Benaroch, here are some things that parents/ caregivers can do to help themselves even as they help their children:

1. Educate yourself.The more you know about cerebral palsy, the more tools you will have to help your child. Ask your child’s doctor about resources available from his or her office and on the internet and keep up-to-date with current research.
2. Build a support system. Seek out local groups and parent network organizations for families of children with disabilities. Ask your doctor or specialist for referrals. Join an online chat group for parents of children with cerebral palsy.
3. Take care of yourself. You can’t help your child if you are burned out. Make plans to do things you enjoy, such as taking time out to have a night out with friends or family. Planning ahead so that the situation at home is safe for your child prior to going out makes this possible and more beneficial. It is so important to “recharge the batteries.”
4. Take care of your relationships. Find a babysitter whom you like and trust, so you and your partner can have private time together. And don't forget your other children- in case you have any; make sure to keep up with their activities and try to have special one-to-one time with them as often as possible.
5. Get help. If you or your partner is consistently burned out or depressed, or if you are not getting along, seek help. Having a disabled child can be extremely stressful; it can also put your relationship at risk. Your doctor can refer you to a qualified individual, family, or couple's therapist. It may also be that you are still at an early stage in understanding your child’s condition and the services that are available to help. Finding out more may give an enormous boost to your ability to cope.

References

http://www.webmd.com/children/guide/cerebral-palsy-parenting

http://www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-cerebral-palsy

http://www.webmd.com/children/guide/cerebral-palsy-parenting