Thursday, September 26, 2013

Cerebral Palsy Support Groups For Parents Offer Valuable Services

By Paulette Short


There is not much that can prepare individuals for the shock and pain of being informed that their baby has cerebral palsy. Nothing a medical professional or doctor can say will lessen the grief that comes from knowing that one's child has received such a diagnosis. However, cerebral palsy support groups for parents provide many benefits to individuals faced with such circumstances.

As many as a million individuals in the United States are diagnosed with this condition each year, according to information published by the Cerebral Palsy Association. Each year, about ten thousand babies are diagnosed with some form of the disorder. It is devastating to receive such news, and for this reason virtually anyone faced with such circumstances should consider joining one of the aforementioned support groups.

There are support groups that one can visit in person, and there are also more than two hundred groups online of which such parents can avail themselves. Regardless of the type chosen, these groups all offer education, advice, inspiration, and news about this devastating disorder.

Cerebral palsy refers to a group of neuromuscular disorders that are currently incurable. They affect the person's ability to maintain his or her balance and coordination, and cause abnormal body movements. Those who suffer from the disorder are typically diagnosed as babies, and the condition itself is almost always caused by birth injury. However, a person may also develop the disorder due to other causes.

Cerebral palsy may be the result of the brain of the unborn child being deprived of oxygen. It may also be the result of a lack of blood supply to the fetus in the early stages of pregnancy. Such occurrences can happen for a variety of reasons, including a genetic predisposition to inhibited blood or oxygen supply.

In certain instances, a bacterial or viral infection is transmitted to the infant before he or she is born. Unfortunately, if this occurs, the fetus is exposed to substances such as toxins that may cause brain injuries. Even anemia and diabetes can put an unborn infant at risk for the condition.

As mentioned above, the disease is most frequently caused by a birth injury. If forceps are used improperly by a negligent doctor, the infant's brain may be damaged as it travels through the vaginal canal. However, breach births can also be the cause of cerebral palsy, even if this is discovered and a C-section performed: unfortunately, if the C-section is not done in time and the baby remains in a dangerous position for a lengthy amount of time, brain damage often ensues.

Children suffering from this condition may experience less coordination on one side of the bunny than the other. They may also have periods of spastic muscle twitching. In numerous instances, the youngster will close his or her fists for extended periods of time. The child may also have difficulties consuming food, as sucking her swallowing may be challenging.

Fortunately, cerebral palsy support groups for parents can help the latter with their coping skills and hopefully assist them to maintain a better quality of life. Although nothing can dull the pain associated with realizing one's child is handicapped, support groups can definitely enhance one's outlook on life and help him or her to try to keep a positive attitude. Anyone with a child suffering from this disorder should seek such assistance.




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