Speech Cerebral Palsy I Am Term Paper

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke notes that the earlier treatment begins, the more the patient can benefit. In fact, many cerebral palsy patients go on to live nearly normal, healthy lives if their treatment begins early enough. Drugs may be used to help control seizures, but most treatment includes physical, speech, and/or occupational therapies, surgery to control some muscle defects, wearing braces to correct misshaped limbs, and in more severe cases, wheelchairs or voice-synthesizing computers. None of these will cure the disease, and research continues into finding ways to enhance treatment.

How can you tell if your child is afflicted with the condition? The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke offer these most common signs of the condition in children. "lack of muscle coordination when performing voluntary movements (ataxia); stiff or tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity); walking with one foot or leg dragging; walking on the toes, a crouched gait, or a 'scissored' gait; and muscle tone that is either too stiff or too floppy" (Editors).These symptoms can show up in infancy, but they almost always show up by the time a child is three years old.

In conclusion, understanding more about the condition of cerebral palsy helps a person become more sympathetic to those who suffer from it and exhibit some of the outward signs of the condition. Instead of seeing them as abnormal or "retards" people should understand that cerebral palsy is a condition without a cure, and without hope for improvement in many cases. Yet, people with cerebral palsy can live satisfying and productive lives. Understanding more can make a person empathetic and supportive, and can only help spread awareness about this misunderstood condition.

References

Condeluci, Al. "Empowering People with Cerebral Palsy." The Journal of Rehabilitation 55.2 (1989): 15+.

Editors. "Cerebral Palsy Information Page." NINDS.nih.gov. 2 Oct. 2006. 12. Oct. 2006. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/cerebral_palsy/cerebral_palsy.htm.....