Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that affects movement and coordination. It can cause various symptoms, varying from person to person. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for helping people with cerebral palsy live full and productive lives.
Here people will get information about six of the most common cerebral palsy symptoms. If somebody suspects their child may have cerebral palsy, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and contact a palsy attorney to explore legal options.
1. Muscles Stiffness
Muscles can be stiff if you have Cerebral Palsy. It means that it might be harder for you to move around. As a result, you can find it hard to do things that other people can do easily. For example, you might find walking, sitting, or picking something up hard.
If your muscles are very stiff, it can cause pain. Treatment can help reduce muscle stiffness. Physical therapy is one way to treat muscle stiffness. You can also take medication to help relax your muscles.
2. Weakness in Arms or Legs
Some people with cerebral palsy might have weak arms or legs. If your arms or legs are weak, it can cause pain while moving. Treatment can help make your arms and legs stronger.
3. Poor Balance and Coordination
Some people with cerebral palsy might have problems with their balance and coordination. This means that they might find it harder than other people to do things like walk, sit up, or pick something up. If someone has poor balance and coordination, it can sometimes cause pain. However, some treatments can help improve balance and coordination, like physical therapy or medication.
4. Involuntary Movements or Spasms
There are many types of palsy, but all involve some loss of muscle control. Involuntary movements, or spasms, are a common symptom of palsy. The spasms may be mild and barely noticeable, or they may be severe and disabling. Sometimes, the spasms can be painful. In most cases, the spasms are caused by damage to the nervous system. This damage can occur during pregnancy, at giving birth, or after a head injury.
Palsy is usually not curable, but some treatments can help lessen the symptoms. Others may need surgery to correct the position of their muscles. Physical therapy such as stem cell therapy can also help people with palsy regain strength and range of motion in their affected muscles.
5. Difficulty Swallowing or Eating
Some people with cerebral palsy might have difficulty swallowing or eating. The condition is caused by damage to the nerves that control the muscles of the face, throat, and esophagus. This damage can make it difficult for the muscles to work properly, causing problems with swallowing or eating. As a result, in some cases, people with palsy may be unable to swallow. Others may have difficulty chewing food properly or may drool uncontrollably.
6. Slurred speech
Many human beings with palsy also have difficulty speaking clearly. This can be due to weak muscles surrounding the mouth and jaw or to problems with the nerves that control the facial muscles. As a result, some may speak with a slurred or nasal voice.
They may also have difficulty enunciating certain sounds or speaking very slowly. In some cases, speech therapy can help people with palsy to improve their speech. However, severe cases of palsy may cause lifelong difficulties with communication.
These are just a few potential cerebral palsy symptoms. If you suspect that you or your child may have the condition, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately and contact a CP attorney to discuss legal options.