Go green for Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day

Today (25 March) is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day, which started in 2006 to celebrate individuals with cerebral palsy and demonstrate support by wearing the colour green.

What is cerebral palsy? 

Did you know that Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood disability that affects motor skills and movement?

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that can present itself differently, depending on the individual.

In the UK, the prevalence of cerebral palsy is around 1 in 400 children.

What causes cerebral palsy?

As an acquired neurological condition, the main causes include:

  • Pre- or post-natal injury to the brain
  • Infections during the early stages of pregnancy
  • A lack of oxygen to the brain
  • Abnormal brain development

Several risk factors may increase the probability of experiencing cerebral palsy, including premature birth and being born weighing under 2.5 pounds.

What are the symptoms? 

Whilst the condition originates in the brain, it impacts motor control in varying degrees.

Some individuals may experience some difficulty with movement, whilst others may be unable to walk.

These symptoms can have a knock-on effect of damaging muscles and can lead to the development of conditions such as arthritis.

Also, when moving around, individuals with cerebral palsy exert up to three to five times the amount of energy compared with other individuals – which, unsurprisingly, can cause a lot of fatigue.

At Synergy Complex care, we provide personalised care and support for adults and children in their own homes.

 If you or a loved one needs support, please contact us today.

Posted in General.