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- Cerebral Palsy
- SYMPTOMS. Signs vary greatly from slight impairment of speech and walk to
- body distortions and inability to learn easily. There may be seizures and
- inability to walk or talk. In children that are severely affected there may
- be vomiting, nursing difficulties and irritability. In milder cases, the
- child may not show sign until the second or third year, failing to develop
- normal motor skills such as crawling, sitting up and walking.
- CAUSES involve damages to the central nervous system. The damages may be the
- result of the lack of sufficient oxygen at or around birth, disorders in the
- womb or an injury at birth. There are three major forms. With SPASTIC there
- is movement difficulties and stiffness. With ATHETOID there is writhing and
- movements that are uncontrollable and purposeless. With ATACTIC there is a
- staggering gait with poor balance and coordination.
- TREATMENT. Treatment varies and is dependent upon the child's needs.
- .Medication, orthopedic surgery and muscle training may be required.
- .The child may need casts, special exercises, braces and speech training.