What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong medical condition which affects movement and co-ordination. Cerebral palsy is caused by a problem with the brain which occurs before, during, or close after birth.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy

Symptoms of cerebral palsy may not always be visible at birth, but will start to show as the baby grows. These include:

• Delays in development such as not being able to sit, walk or talk but usual milestones

• Arms and legs being either too stiff or too limp

• Uncontrolled movements

• Walking on tip-toes

• Swallowing difficulties

• Speech & vision problems

• Learning disabilities

Some people can experience severe symptoms and disabilities, whilst others have moderate and minor problems.

Is There A Treatment For Cerebral Palsy?

Currently there is no cure for cerebral palsy, however there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms and achieve a better quality of life as well as more independence. Some treatments you could try are:

• Physiotherapy to help with movement and improve physical ability

• Speech therapy to help with speech and communication, and swallowing

• Occupational therapy to help you identify everyday problems and help with solutions

• Medication for muscle stiffness and other difficulties

People Living With Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy affects individuals in different ways, and quality of life will be affected by how severe or how moderate the symptoms are. In most cases people will live into 30's-70's and although independence may be limited there are ways to keep living fulfilling lives.

Live-in Care can help a person live with cerebral palsy and keep their independence by receiving home care and assistance with the tasks they may not be able to do themselves. Our Living in Carers assist people as young as 18 as well as older people living with conditions, and help them remain living in their own home, in a familiar routine, be able to keep pets, work, continue with education and even travel the world!

If you would like to talk to our friendly Live-in Care specialists about arranging Live in Care for cerebral palsy, call us on 0330 401 0023 or email hello@access-care.co.uk