Mild Cerebral Palsy

The signs are fairly stable and do not acutely aggravate in the course of illness. Let us see something more about it.

Cerebral means the cerebrum and palsy is the disorder of movement. Cerebral palsy is more common in small children and pregnant women. Intake of alcohol, smoking and consuming other toxic substances during pregnancy increases the risk in children.

Less supply of blood and oxygen to the brain may lead to serious complications. Initially, the symptoms are less clear. So, in many school-going children, mild cerebral palsy is diagnosed late. Many parents ignore the symptoms of this disorder, thinking that the child will be normal once he/she grows up.

However, this casual approach can affect the child's future. Proper treatment at the right time increases the chances of getting permanent relief from the disorder.

The physician, after studying the case recommends the name of a specialist for further treatment. However, unlike other disorders like cancer and infectious diseases, mild cerebral palsy does not get worse.

Children suffering from mild cerebral palsy generally have difficulties while talking. Lack of coordination, very low stamina, clumsiness, pain in legs and arms, difficulty in walking and standing, toe walking, incapability in playing sports and doing activities which need many body movements, habit of keeping hands raised for a long time are some other prominent symptoms.

Regular exercise is the key to treat mild cerebral palsy. Improvement in stamina and movements can be seen after giving occupational therapy and physical therapy. It helps to strengthen muscles. The physical therapist helps the children to be independent by teaching them how to do their daily activities with ease.

Occupational therapy, on the other hand is used to develop motor skills. It focuses more on efficient movements of hands and arms. Hippotherapy involves special training for movement dysfunction from well-trained and highly experienced physical and occupational therapists.

Speech and language therapy is used to solve communication related problems in children. Teaching sign language is a part of this therapy. Oral medicines like Valium and Baclofen are used to treat muscle contraction. Use of shoes with high heels is recommended to support the ankle joint of toe walking children.

Generally, children learn to walk properly in a few weeks. Injecting botox injections into specific muscles can give relief from muscle contraction. However, this relief will be temporary.

People with mild cerebral palsy have to face a lot of challenges to survive and succeed in their chosen profession. It is the duty of the society to grant special concessions, financial help and medical treatment to these people. They should be given proper guidance and motivation.