Cerebral Palsy Effects through Lifespan

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Introduction

Cerebral Palsy [CP] is defined as "a disorder of movement and posture that appears during infancy or early childhood resulting from damage to the brain". The brain injury is permanent, although interventions, particularly physiotherapy, in infancy and childhood can improve the physical performance and function in individuals with CP.

Effects of CP in Adulthood

Life Expectancy

Individuals with very profound CP who have severe reduction in postural control may experience compression of internal organs due to soft tissue contractures and asymmetrical posture, eg. severe scoliosis, and in these cases life expectancy may be reduced.

However, the majority of individuals with CP will have a similar life expectancy to non-CP people. 

The main factors for life expectancy in CP are gross motor function and feeding difficulties. Individuals who are independently ambulant and able to feed independently have life expectancies in the normal range.

Mechanism of Injury / Pathological Process

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Clinical Presentation

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Outcome Measures

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Management / Interventions

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