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Posted on 3rd October 2022
World Cerebral Palsy Day takes place on the 6th of October and raises awareness for the 17 million people across the globe living with the condition, along with the 350 million relatives or loved ones who help them manage its effects.
What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is the result of neurological damage to the parts of the brain responsible for movement and can manifest as a number of disabilities in varying degrees of severity. It is the most common cause of disability in children.
There are several types of cerebral palsy, which can – amongst other things – affect the victim’s ability to talk, walk or result in learning difficulties. Approximately a quarter of those with cerebral palsy suffer from epilepsy. Severity is assessed on a case-by-case basis, with some suffering little more than weakness in a single hand, whilst others have no control whatsoever over their muscle movements.
Managing the effects of cerebral palsy is a lifelong commitment, as there is currently no cure for the condition.
The impact of living with cerebral palsy
Whilst the severity and subsequent effects of living with cerebral palsy are highly variable from case to case, there is potential for significant support to be required by the patient to have any credible quality of life.
Difficulties with movement can mean that their homes, schools and later workplaces must be adapted for wheelchair access. Provisions must be made for those who tire quickly due to having to work their muscles harder to achieve movement. Many also rely on electronic aids to communicate, which can prove expensive to purchase and maintain.
Full-time care must be provided for those with a severe lack of muscle control, and costly medications/treatment administered to mitigate the suffering of those who experience the worst effects of the condition.
The raft of serious, permanent impacts of living with cerebral palsy makes it imperative that when the condition occurs as a result of medical negligence at birth, the victim receives adequate compensation and support for the rest of their life. For more information on how to make a compensation claim for cerebral palsy, contact a clinical negligence solicitor today.
Supporting those with cerebral palsy
In 2012 Cerebral Palsy Day was founded by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance to help connect those affected by the condition across the world and raise awareness/support for their rights and opportunities throughout the course of their lives.
It is an opportunity for those affected by the condition to share their stories, their struggles, their hopes and their successes, and to campaign for advances in medical technology to bring about better treatments to ease their suffering.
