Cerebral Palsy
What is it?
Cerebral Palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination. It is caused by a problem with the brain that develops before, during or very soon after birth. Cerebral palsy is diagnosed very early into a person’s life and the effects of the condition can vary widely from very mild to severe causing considerable disability. Most children with cerebral palsy live into adult life and some can live for many decades. The condition may cause lifestyle limitations however many people with cerebral palsy go on to lead full independent lives. The original problem with the brain does not get worse over time, but the condition can put a lot of strain on the body and cause problems such as painful joints and limited mobility.
Common Side Effects Include:
- Delays in reaching developmental milestones
Muscles being either too active or too relaxed
Weakness affecting the arms or legs
Fidgety, jerky or clumsy movements
Random uncontrolled movements
Limited mobility
Problems with speech
Swallowing difficulties
Visual problems
How Can We Help?
Cortex Physiotherapy will help you to move freely and live fully. The presentation of Cerebral Palsy will differ in each individual and will change over time. There may not be a cure for Cerebral Palsy but that doesn’t mean you should let it take control of your life. Cortex Physiotherapy cannot provide a cure for your condition but we can help you to take charge of it. Due to the irreversible nature of the disease our main focus will be on symptom management and life optimisation. Cortex Physiotherapy will provide treatment to manage your symptoms in order to optimise the quality of your life and will also help you to develop compensatory strategies to use what you have to achieve what you want. Improvement is heavily dependent on the individual challenging themselves and committing themselves to the rehabilitation programme provided by Cortex Physiotherapy.
Potential for improvement is something that is very difficult to determine and each individual case will be different. Cortex Physiotherapy will always have an open and honest discussion about potential for improvement and this will be regularly monitored and discussed to ensure that you and your therapist are working as a team. You will receive a full neurological examination to determine where your individual problems lie, after this you and your therapist will have a discussion about what matters most to you. Your therapist will then tailor your treatment to your goals and your journey to the life you want begins.