So just how many individuals are affected by cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy statistics show that in the United States alone, around 500,000 children and adults have symptoms of cerebral palsy. In recent statistics close to 8,000 babies and infants are diagnosed with cerebral palsy every year. Furthermore, there are about 1,200 to 1,500 preschool age children diagnosed with cerebral palsy each year.
Studies show that there are several symptoms that indicate cerebral palsy in children. Cerebral palsy statistics show that common symptoms are uncontrolled muscular reactions, difficulty in sucking, stiffness in the muscles, problems with chewing and swallowing, difficulty speaking and problems focusing. Problems in sensing things by touch, vision and hearing are also common symptoms of cerebral palsy in children.
Now there have been many studies surrounding alcohol consumption during pregnancy and cerebral palsy. However, they are not yet conclusive about how safe it is to consume alcohol in any amount. It is still highly stressed that women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant avoid alcohol consumption until after the baby is born.
Studies show that alcohol can affect the development of the baby in the womb. To prevent cerebral palsy, you should make sure that your baby is not exposed to the negative effects of alcohol. What alcohol does is force the unborn baby to fight its effects while he or she is still growing and developing in the womb. Studies suggest that the consumption of alcohol and/or drugs can seriously affect blood vessels, the nervous system and internal organs and result in brain damage and low birth weight.
Smoking should be another concern during pregnancy. Studies have shown that smoking can have ill effects in the overall development of the unborn child. Cerebral palsy statistics show that 1 out of every 500 babies is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, so one should avoid taking in potentially dangerous substances during or shortly before pregnancy.
Several studies already suggest that smoking cigarettes just do not go with birthing a healthy baby. Healthcare professionals often advise women who plan to get pregnant to have a break from smoking for at least 9 months. Statistics show that expecting mothers who do not smoke have healthier babies.
Taking illegal drugs during and shortly before pregnancy are widely known to cause serious ill effects to the unborn child. Drugs like cocaine have the ability to decrease the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the developing child in the womb. This could result in low birth rate. Studies have indicated that lack of oxygen and a low birth weight in babies pose an increased risk for cerebral palsy.
Illegal drugs that are taken during pregnancy increases the risk of permanent disabilities in a child. These disabilities include cerebral palsy and hearing impairment. Even though there are just a few cerebral palsy statistics, scientists and researchers have found that prevention is the best form of treatment for cerebral palsy.
Cerebral Palsy Therapy Tip #1
Get Help – Taking care of someone with cerebral palsy is a lot of hard work. Occasionally you have to take a break and spend some time alone. Ask family and friends for help and teach them how to do what you do so you can get away for a while.
Cerebral Palsy Therapy Tip #2
Stay Positive – Cerebral palsy is not a disease and will not get progressively worse. Accepting the condition for what it is and keeping a positive outlook will make life easier for you and the person you are caring for.