Cerebral palsy is a term that encompasses several disorders related to motor conditions, i.e. development of movement and posture. The term 'cerebral' means brain and the term 'palsy' is used to refer to the loss of ability of movement. It is not a disease of either the nerves, which carry brain messages to the body parts, or muscles, which are involved in body movements, but it is a brain disorder. The underlying cause is the damage to the area of the brain referred to as cerebrum. The damage is believed to extend to the brain areas, where the different parts of cortex (outer layer of cerebrum), such as motor cortex or visual cortex, are interconnected with each other and also with the central nervous system. The motor cortex, which controls movements of muscles, is connected with the cerebellum. The cerebellum integrates sensory perception and is responsible for coordination and motor control. Damage to cerebellum also causes cerebral palsy. In case of children, 75 percent of the cases of trauma to the motor centers located in these areas, occurs during brain development and pregnancy, 5 percent during childbirth and the rest, 15 percent cases are found in children up to 3 years of age. Brain injuries due to accidents, such as motor accidents, may also cause cerebral palsy in adults. Brain damage due to lack of oxygen, in case of incidents, such as near drowning or suffocation can be severe.
Cerebral Palsy and Life Expectancy
The patients, especially children, find movements such as walking or feeding themselves difficult because of lack of control on the muscles. Broadly, there are 4 types of cerebral palsy: spastic, athetoid, ataxic and mixed. These types are as follows.
- Spastic: This type is characterized by stiff or permanently contracted muscles. Almost 70-80 percent of the patients suffer from spastic cerebral palsy.
- Athetoid: 10-20 percent of the people suffer from this form. Athetoid cerebral palsy is characterized by slow, uncontrolled and writhing motions.
- Ataxic: This is rare type and is observed in 5-10 percent of the patients. The patients lack sense of perception and depth leading to problems with coordination and precision in movements.
- Mixed: Patients suffering from this type show symptoms of the above two or more types.
The life expectancy is calculated on the basis of mobility, depending on the type of cerebral palsy, and its severity. Patients can have associated disorders such as mental impairment and problems related to vision, hearing and perception. According to studies, the patients, considering mobility as the key factor, can have normal life expectancies.
- Someone with cerebral palsy suffering from rigid or severe spasticity generally live till they are 30 years. These patients may also display some associated disorders.
- In case of patients displaying moderate cerebral palsy, life expectancy can be 60-70 years.
- The same in patients having mild cerebral palsy is as good as in normal people. Associated disorders are not observed in these patients.
It is found that there is a decline in motor functions of all patients. They may need repeated surgeries to tackle spasticity related problems. The more mobile the patient is, the greater is his or her life expectancy. Adult as well as younger patients with low mobility sadly do not live for too long. It is clear that stress should be given on improving motor skills in childhood, with the aim of improving the life spans of all patients. Physical therapy in the form of exercises, to promote muscle strengthening must be looked into, in order to avoid surgeries and promote social and independence skills and educational achievements which can boost the morale. Training in maintaining good seating posture combined with treatment for reduction of pain due to stiffened joints, may help in avoiding postural scoliosis. Good health care and fiber rich and low fat diet may help these patients achieve longer lives.
