LEARN ABOUT CEREBRAL PALSY
People Helping People with Cerebral Palsy
Mission Statement:
To inspire our sisters and brothers who live with Cerebral Palsy and their Caretakers to live life to the fullest. To provide a platform for voices to be heard and programs to assist with goals to be accomplished. At People Helping People with Cerebral Palsy we not only want to Talk the Talk, we desire to live the LIFE!
WHAT IS CEREBRAL PALSY?
The term cerebral palsy refers to any one of a number of neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement and muscle coordination but don’t worsen over time. Even though cerebral palsy affects muscle movement, it isn’t caused by problems in the muscles or nerves. It is caused by abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscle movements. The majority of children with cerebral palsy are born with it, although it may not be detected until months or years later. The early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before a child reaches 3 years of age. The most common are a lack of muscle coordination when performing voluntary movements (ataxia); stiff or tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity); walking with one foot or leg dragging; walking on the toes, a crouched gait, or a “scissored” gait; and muscle tone that is either too stiff or too floppy. A small number of children have cerebral palsy as the result of brain damage in the first few months or years of life, brain infections such as bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis, or head injury from a motor vehicle accident, a fall, or child abuse.*
IS THERE ANY TREATMENT?
Cerebral palsy can’t be cured, but treatment will often improve a person's capabilities. In general, the earlier treatment begins the better chance children have of overcoming developmental disabilities or learning new ways to accomplish the tasks that challenge them.
Treatment may include physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, drugs to control seizures, relax muscle spasms, and alleviate pain; surgery to correct anatomical abnormalities or release tight muscles; braces and other orthotic devices; wheelchairs and rolling walkers; and communication aids such as computers with attached voice synthesizers.*
Doctor's have studied Stem Cell Procedures and it has been discovered that individuals who have Stem Cell Procedures has helped those with Cerebral Palsy to lead a more quality life. Stem cell transplantation is a regenerative therapy that has the potential to replace the damaged and non-functional cells in the brains of CP patients, as well as to provide support to the remaining neurons and oligodendrocytes.
There are many kinds of stem cells, each with different and unique characteristics. As research has advanced, it has been discovered that stem cells can be induced to become more specialized cell types, and when transplanted into the body, they can provide support to a damaged environment. In addition, modifications of these stem cells can be made to express certain factors that can enhance this ability. In addition, modification to the cells to express scar-degrading factors that can help to reduce scarring in the brain and promote recovery.
Cerebral palsy doesn’t always cause profound disabilities. While one child with severe cerebral palsy might be unable to walk and need extensive, lifelong care, another with mild cerebral palsy might not require special assistance. Supportive treatments, medications, and surgery can help many individuals improve their motor skills and ability to communicate with the world.*
Researchers are investigating the roles of mishaps early in brain development, including genetic defects, which are sometimes responsible for the brain malformations and abnormalities that result in cerebral palsy. Scientists are also looking at traumatic events in newborn babies’ brains, such as bleeding, epileptic seizures, and breathing and circulation problems, which can cause the abnormal release of chemicals that trigger the kind of damage that causes cerebral palsy. Researchers also hope to find ways to prevent white matter disease--the most common cause of cerebral palsy. To make sure children are getting the right kinds
of therapies, studies are also being done that evaluate both experimental treatments and treatments already in use so that physicians and parents have valid information to help them choose the best therapy.*
More and more scientists and doctors are finding Stem Cell Therapy Procedures to be valuable to those who live with Cerebral Palsy as an alternative to a more viable and independent lifestyle.
*Source: NINDS
STEM CELLS AND HOW THEY WORK
WHAT RESEARCH IS BEING DONE?
WHAT IS THE PROGNOSIS?