Cerebral Palsy Support Groups For Parents Offer Valuable Services

By Paulette Short


It is always painful and shocking for parents to be informed that their child has cerebral palsy. No medical practitioner can say anything that will assuage the grief felt after such a diagnosis is received. However, many individuals faced with such a crisis find that the services of cerebral palsy support groups for parents are invaluable.

The Cerebral Palsy Association reports that up to 1,000,000 individuals in the US alone are afflicted with this condition. Each year, about ten thousand babies are born with some variation of the disorder. News of this type can be catastrophic to parents, which is why the aforementioned groups offer invaluable services to those in this category.

One can visit support groups in person, but he or she may also choose to join one of over 200 groups of this kind that exist online. No matter which option is selected, such groups offer excellent benefits for parents of children with this devastating disorder. By joining such a group, they can find inspiration, news, advice, and education.

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 caused by oxygen deprivation in the brain of the unborn infant. It may also be caused by a poor blood supply to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy. Such things can occur for various reasons, such as hereditary abnormalities that cause poor oxygen or blood supply.

In some cases, a viral or bacterial infection is spread to the infant during the mother's pregnancy. Unfortunately, this exposes the fetus to toxins and other substances that may result in brain injury. Even diabetes or anemia can put an unborn baby at risk for the disorder.

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, a higher quality of life and better coping skills are often experienced by individuals who join cerebral palsy support groups for parents. Even though nothing can lessen the pain associated with being told that one's child is disabled, the aforementioned groups can certainly help one to have a better, more positive outlook on life. Those with children suffering from this condition should seek help of this type.




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