Paralysis Resource Guide - (Page 15) CONDITIONS sit and walk. Because muscles of the face and tongue can be affected, there also can be difficulties with swallowing and speech. 3. Ataxic cerebral palsy: About 5–10 percent have the ataxic form, which affects balance and coordination. They may walk with an unsteady gait and have difficulty with motions that require coordination, such as writing. In the United States, about 10–20 percent of children who have CP acquire the disorder after birth, 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. Cerebral palsy present at birth may not be detected for months. In most cases, the cause of congenital cerebral palsy is unknown. Scientists have pinpointed some specific events during pregnancy or around the time of birth that can damage motor centers in the developing brain. Until recently, doctors believed that a lack of oxygen during a difficult delivery was the primary cause of cerebral palsy. Studies show that this causes only about 10 percent of cases. A child with CP usually begins physical therapy to increase motor skills (sitting and walking), improve muscle strength, and help prevent contractures (shortening of muscles that limit joint movement). Sometimes braces, splints or casts are used to improve function of the hands or legs. If contractures are severe, surgery may be recommended to lengthen affected muscles. “PAINTING IS HAPPINESS AS WELL AS SADNESS. IT’S MY PRIVATE CONVERSATION WITH THE UNIVERSE AND THE SYMBOL OF MY EXISTENCE.” © Liu Tung Mui - LIU TUNG MUI, A SELF-TAUGHT ARTIST WHO HAS CEREBRAL PALSY BREAKOUT GOUACHE 15
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