The Basics
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a term used to describe a group of disorders affecting body movement and muscle co-ordination. The medical definition of CP is “a non-progressive but not unchanging disorder of movement and/or posture, due to an insult to or anomaly of the developing brain.”
Cerebral = “of the brain”
Palsy = “lack of muscle control”
Does Cerebral Palsy affect everyone the same way?
No. Cerebral Palsy affects everyone differently. With so many different causes, it is no surprise that it takes many forms. Every person with Cerebral Palsy is a unique individual but is likely to be classified as having a particular type of Cerebral Palsy.
What are some treatment options?
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy all play an important role in the long-term well-being of a person living with cerebral palsy. Other therapies include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Botox injections and sometimes surgical options enhance mobility in a person with cerebral palsy.
What are some equipment aids a person with Cerebral Palsy might use to get around?
Adaptive Equipment Mobility Devices include:
What is AISH?
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped. Financial and health benefits for eligible Albertans with a permanent medical condition that prevents them from earning a living.
What causes Cerebral Palsy?
Any damage to the developing brain, whether caused by genetic or developmental disorders, injury, or disease, may produce Cerebral Palsy.
Is Cerebral Palsy contagious?
No. Cerebral Palsy is a condition, not a disease.
What kinds of medications are available?
Individuals may take medication for conditions associated with Cerebral Palsy, such as seizures. Drugs may sometimes be prescribed for severe spasticity or painful spasms. Spasticity can be temporarily reduced by nerve blocking injections of Botulinum toxin (“Botox”) into a spastic muscle group. This can reduce tone for several months.
What types of equipment aids might a person with Cerebral Palsy use to communicate with others?
What is PDD?
Persons with Developmental Disabilities.
PDD helps adults with developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible in their community.
Can Cerebral Palsy occur during pregnancy?
Factors during pregnancy which may cause Cerebral Palsy include:
Is Cerebral Palsy hereditary or life threatening?
No. Cerebral Palsy is not hereditary and not life threatening.
What is Spastic Cerebral Palsy?
Spastic Cerebral Palsy is the most common type and is caused by damage to the motor cortex. Spastic muscles are tight and stiff, which limit movement.
If you have Cerebral Palsy does that mean you can’t work or go to school?
Absolutely not. Many people with Cerebral Palsy enjoy a full and active life to the extent that their bodies can accommodate. People with Cerebral Palsy enjoy satisfying careers, university education, traveling, and social and romantic relationships
What is AADL?
Alberta Aids to Daily Living.
AADL helps Albertans with a long-term disability, chronic or terminal illness to pay for basic medical equipment and supplies.
Can Cerebral Palsy occur during early childhood?
Cerebral Palsy can occur if a young child suffers brain damage due to:
Is there a cure for Cerebral Palsy?
No. Because Cerebral Palsy is a condition and not a disease, the best way to address the challenges it presents is to develop a treatment plan that is best suited to everyone.
What is Diskinetic or Athetoid Cerebral Palsy?
People with dyskinetic forms of cerebral palsy have variable movement that is involuntary (outside of their control). These involuntary movements are especially noticeable when a person attempts to move.
Are Orthotics, Casts and Splints made for children living with Cerebral Palsy?
Most children with Cerebral Palsy will be prescribed orthotics, casts, or splints to supplement their therapy programs. These should be custom made for your child and help to provide stability, keep joints in position, and help stretch muscles.
What is FSCD?
Family Support for Children with Disabilities.
The FSCD program works with eligible families to provide support and services based on each child and family’s needs.
How many people have Cerebral Palsy in Canada?
It is estimated that one out of every 500 babies, and up to one in three premature babies are affected to some extent. There are over 50,000 Canadians with Cerebral Palsy.
Do all people with Cerebral Palsy experience developmental delays?
No. Cerebral Palsy affects each person differently. Some people do experience developmental delays but not everyone.
What is Ataxic Cerebral Palsy?
Ataxia is the least common form of cerebral palsy. Ataxia means 'without order' or 'incoordination'. . Movements are not smooth and may appear disorganized or jerky/shaky. Ataxia causes an interruption of muscle control in the arms and legs, resulting in a lack of balance and coordination.
Can you have children if you have Cerebral Palsy
There is no evidence that cerebral palsy affects fertility. There is also no increased risk of having a miscarriage or a premature baby when compared to people who don’t have cerebral palsy. In fact, numerous people all over the world with cerebral palsy have successfully given birth to healthy children.
What are some other service providers/agencies which provide supports for the disabilities community?
-Cerebral Palsy Alberta
-Edmonton Cerebral Palsy Association
-First Nations Health Consortium
-Calgary CP Kids & Families
-Others?