Shocking Facts and Statistics About Cerebral Palsy Cases in the United States
Did you know that around 764,000 people are born with cerebral palsy every year? This number is only increasing as time goes on. In addition to this, cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in children. If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it’s important to get educated on the facts and statistics about the condition.
Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement and muscle tone. It is caused by damage to the brain’s motor control centers, which can occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or early childhood. The most common symptom of cerebral palsy is abnormal muscle tone, leading to stiff or floppy muscles. Other symptoms may include:
- Abnormal posture
- Involuntary movements
- Difficulty with fine motor skills
- Difficulty with speech and swallowing
- Visual impairments
Approximately 50% of children with cerebral palsy also have epilepsy. This means that they are at an increased risk for seizures. In addition, children with cerebral palsy often have developmental delays and intellectual disabilities. Around 30% of children with cerebral palsy have an IQ below 70.
There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but there are treatments that can help improve symptoms and quality of life. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medications can help manage the condition. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary.
If you think your child may have cerebral palsy, it’s important to get them evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in their long-term prognosis.
Here are some shocking facts and statistics about cerebral palsy cases in the United States:
- Every year, around seven hundred sixty-four thousand people are born with cerebral palsy.
- Cerebral palsy is the most common motor disability in children. It is a condition that affects the brain and nervous system, causing problems with movement and coordination. Cerebral palsy can range from mild to severe, and it can occur in any part of the body. The most common symptom is muscle stiffness, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as walking or eating.
- Approximately fifty percent of children with cerebral palsy also have epilepsy, which is a condition that causes recurrent seizures. Epilepsy can develop at any time, but it most often begins in childhood. In many cases, it is controlled with medication. However, some people with epilepsy may require surgery to correct the underlying cause of their seizures.
- Children with cerebral palsy often have developmental delays and intellectual disabilities. Developmental delays are delays in reaching milestones such as sitting up, crawling, or walking. Intellectual disability is a condition that affects a person’s ability to think, learn, and remember. Around thirty percent of children with cerebral palsy have an IQ below seventy.
- There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but there are treatments that can help improve symptoms and quality of life. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medications can help manage the condition. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for the best possible outcome.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in a child’s long-term prognosis. If you think your child may have cerebral palsy, it’s important to get them evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, an experienced cerebral palsy lawyer in the Zayed Law Offices can help. They are a team of experienced Chicago cerebral palsy lawyers who have helped numerous families get the compensation they deserve. Contact them today for a free consultation.