Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that can affect co-ordination and movement, with many people with the condition needing some form of additional support.
While there is currently no cure for the condition, research is ongoing and symptoms can be managed through a range of support, including medication, day-to-day support and physical and occupational therapy.
Cerebral palsy symptoms and challenges won’t be the same for everyone, so it is important that everyone has the right support in place.
Symptoms of cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects the brain, and it can have varying degrees of severity, with symptoms including:
- Weakness in arms or legs
- Uncontrolled movements
- Muscle stiffness or rigidity
- Physical developmental delays, such as sitting
- Visual problems
- Difficulty swallowing
In some people, learning disabilities can also accompany cerebral palsy. Symptoms are usually apparent in early childhood.
To support a loved one, it is important to understand the ways that you can help and the additional support available.
Support and management
Managing cerebral palsy and its symptoms is the best route to a higher quality of life, from pain management to daily routines. Your loved one’s healthcare team can help you to put a care and support plan in place to achieve this.
It is important that your loved one has a safe and accessible environment, which may mean providing mobility aids or adapting areas of their living space with support such as ramps or handrails.
Everyone with cerebral palsy has different physical abilities and needs, so a tailored therapy plan is a great step. Physiotherapy can be hugely beneficial to help maintain and improve movement by increasing muscle strength and preventing muscle shortening.
Speech therapy can also help your loved one to communicate through speech, or help them access an alternative, such as a language generating device.
Establishing a consistent routine for certain daily tasks can also help, particularly for activities which need to be adapted for reduced mobility, such as bathing, eating or personal care. Occupational therapy may be offered to your loved one to help them carry out tasks which require complex movement.
Your loved one may also be offered medicines which help to manage certain aspects of their condition, such as muscle stiffness, pain or sleeping difficulties, although not everyone with cerebral palsy will need them.
Additional support
With so many aspects of condition management to consider, it is vital that you get professional help and support.
Our team are on hand to help you get the right care at home. We work alongside you, your loved ones, and your healthcare professionals to ensure that your loved one receives the care they need.
If you would like to find out more about the support we can offer for strokes, contact our team today.