Cerebral Palsy is a condition that can be difficult to live with, especially without professional care. While some patients will have more severe symptoms than others, what are some everyday struggles faced by these individuals? Today, let’s explore them to develop a better understanding of how dramatic an impact this can have on daily lives.
Speech Impairments
Cerebral Palsy can affect a person’s motor functions and the nervous system. As a result, it is common for patients to have difficulties with moving their mouth muscles and being able to speak clearly. Some people are completely unable to talk, making it more important to secure appropriate care to ensure their needs are adequately met. Though rare, vision impairments are also possible.
Mobility Problems
Our ability to get around and maintain independence is directly influenced by whether our nervous system allows us to. For some, particularly those with chronic muscular degenerative diseases such as Cerebral Palsy, it can be a struggle to control motor functions effectively.
The Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation states that 1 in 3 individuals with the condition is unable to walk, making it one of the most common symptoms associated with the disease. As a chronic neuromuscular degenerative disease, this represents a lack of nervous control over muscle functions and movement. 1 in 3 children with the condition will not be able to walk, and those with spastic quadriplegia or intellectual disabilities are at the highest risk of developing mobility problems.
Intellectual Impairments and Learning Difficulties
1 in 2 individuals with Cerebral Palsy will also develop intellectual disabilities, a percentage of which tend to be moderate to severe impairments. The severity of the intellectual disability usually tends to align with how severe their physical impairment associated with the condition is, though exceptions have been noted over the years.
Children with the disease may have difficulties with absorbing information and learning, especially in a standard classroom environment. Cerebral Palsy is a condition that can be stressful to manage on your own, especially when it comes to mobility and fulfilling basic needs while having a comfortable life.
Through our partnership with NeuroGymRehab, the Choice Homecare Ottawa team is happy to help you make more progress. Contact us today for a free in-home assessment!