Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Cerebral Palsy a disease or a genetic disorder?
- I’ve heard that Cerebral Palsy can be the result of a “birth injury”, but isn’t that the same as a “birth defect”?
- Is Cerebral Palsy preventable?
- Is Cerebral Palsy curable?
- What are the risk factors for Cerebral Palsy?
- What are the early signs of Cerebral Palsy?
- How is Cerebral Palsy diagnosed?
- How can I learn more about protecting my child’s right to Benefits4Life?
Is Cerebral Palsy a disease or a genetic disorder?
Cerebral Palsy is neither a disease nor a genetic disorder. Cerebral Palsy is a condition with many possible causes, such as birth trauma or brain injury, but it is not contagious or inherited.
I’ve heard that Cerebral Palsy can be the result of a “birth injury”, but isn’t that the same as a “birth defect”?
A birth injury is suffered by the infant at the time of birth or soon after birth when the infant is still in the care of medical professionals. A birth defect, however, occurs during pregnancy and involves factors outside the care of professionals, such as maternal infections or genetic malformations. Cerebral Palsy is often the result of a birth injury, such as when an infant’s brain is damaged by lack of oxygen during birth.
Is Cerebral Palsy preventable?
A significant number of the Cerebral Palsy cases that occur as the result of a birth injury can be prevented. Medical negligence, such as careless handling of the child’s cranium or an undetected oxygen blockage in the child’s brain, is a factor in many of these preventable cases. Also, as we begin to understand other risk factors, such as blood-type incompatibility, Rubella (contracted during early pregnancy) and other complications, we will be able to prevent additional cases of Cerebral Palsy. For more information about whether your child’s Cerebral Palsy could have been prevented please contact us.
Is Cerebral Palsy curable?
Since the disorder is caused by irreversible brain damage, cerebral palsy has no cure. However, the physical effects of the brain damage can be treated. While impaired motor skills, speech, and muscle development cannot be “cured,” there are an ever-growing number of management options. Early intervention is often considered the single most important factor in the disorder’s treatment. If the signs and symptoms of Cerebral Palsy are recognized early, then therapy and special learning can keep the disability under control.
What are the risk factors for Cerebral Palsy?
Years of research has reveled that babies with certain risk factors are more likely to have Cerebral Palsy. For a list of these factors, please visit our risk factors page.
What are the early signs of Cerebral Palsy?
Most children begin to exhibit symptoms of Cerebral Palsy before they are three years old. Parents are often the first to suspect that their child is not developing normally. For a list of early Cerebral Palsy warning signs, please visit our warning signs page.
How is Cerebral Palsy diagnosed?
Doctors look for a number of different indicators in order to diagnose Cerebral Palsy. They will also often prescribe medical tests to help them determine the exact nature of a child’s problem. For more information on how doctors diagnose Cerebral Palsy, please visit our diagnosis page.
How can I learn more about protecting my child’s right to Benefits4Life?
For more information about protecting your child’s right to a lifetime of benefits, please contact 4MyChild at 1-800-4MYCHILD.
