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Cerebral palsy is a condition that happens during the first months of life. In some cases, children will contract this condition due to an infection that happens in the womb. In other cases, mistakes can be made at birth. Still, some children will develop cerebral palsy during the first months of life. In all of these conditions, one thing is ultimately true. The damage done to the brain during this time of life is unable to be improved, changed or cured. It is a condition that has consequences for the rest of the child's life.

What's Happening?

Although most parents are looking forward to seeing their baby grow and be successful, it may never have crossed their minds that the child could end up with a life threatening condition such as that of cerebral palsy. Nevertheless, it happens to many babies each year. When a child does have this disease take over their lives, the problems will arise in the form of their ability to move. They can not coordinate body movements easily. That's because the baby's brain has not developed correctly for some reason and some damage that has happened to it. There are some cases that are mild while others are quite severe. Many children suffer from the worst conditions which include mental retardation.

There are complications that do come from having cerebral palsy, though. For example, because they can't move their body's correctly, there are many that face problems with their joints. Not only do their joints not form correctly and have deformities to them, but they are often dislocated. In some cases, children can develop arthritis like conditions in the joints. In addition, some children will have problems with their nutrition. If the child has problems swallowing food, for example, or can not eat correctly, they may suffer from nutritional problems.

Still, there are more complications that happen because of cerebral palsy. Some children will have problems with being able to communicate, not being able to speak well, hear well and/or see well. Some children do develop or are born with mental retardation that is no necessarily caused by cerebral palsy but can be brought on at the same time due to the same damage. Seizures are common with children with cerebral palsy as are urinary infections and problems controlling their bladders. Dental problems also occur heavy in children facing these conditions.

Although there is no cure for the condition of cerebral palsy, there are many treatment options available that can improve the quality of life. By all means, not all children do suffer from this extreme of conditions. Some have just mild symptoms of the condition and can go on to lead healthy, normal lives. Others can find help with medications and physical therapy to lessen the pain that they may be in.

Cerebral palsy is not a condition that any parent looks forward to, but they do have to manage this condition. With the right treatment, many patients don't have to suffer and can go on to lead a long life that is quite beneficial.