Cerebral palsy is a disorder that appears in infancy or early childhood and impacts a child’s muscle tone, movement, and motor skills. If your child has recently been diagnosed with this condition, you probably feel overwhelmed and have many questions. You may wonder how this happened and whether or not your child will require a caregiver in the future.

4 Questions About Cerebral Palsy

1. Why did my child get cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy occurs when there is abnormal development or damage to the brain that prevents a child from controlling their muscles. The damage typically happens before birth, but it can also occur during birth or the first years of a child’s life. Some of the possible causes of this condition include a lack of oxygen during labor and delivery, brain infections, and maternal infections.

2. What are the symptoms of cerebral palsy?

The symptoms of cerebral palsy can differ from person to person. While some people may have trouble speaking, others may have difficulty walking. Other symptoms of this disease include a lack of muscle coordination, intellectual disabilities, and problems swallowing.

3. How is cerebral palsy treated?

Although there’s no cure for cerebral palsy, there are treatments that can improve symptoms. Those who have trouble walking, for example, may use walking aids or wheelchairs. Other people with cerebral palsy may benefit from taking muscle relaxants, physical therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy.

4. What’s the long-term outlook for people with cerebral palsy?

Some people with cerebral palsy may not need much assistance, while others may require long-term care. It all depends on the severity of their condition. For example, some individuals may develop arthritis and suffer severe pain and require the assistance of a caregiver. A caregiver can help them with day-to-day tasks, like cooking, cleaning, and bathing.

If you’re looking for a caregiver in Berkeley, St. Charles, or St. Louis, MO, turn to Deer Valley Home Health Services. The home health care provider has served the area since 2005 and is known for their attentive, compassionate and flexible care. Whether your loved one needs daily assistance for a serious illness or just assistance with cleaning and cooking, this home health agency is happy to help. For more information about their services, call (314)-355-3679 or visit their website.