22 August 2006 Cerebral Palsy Week 24 - 30 August 2006 The National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week is taking place on 24 - 30 August 2006,The City of Johannesburg Health Department would like to create awareness of this health condition that affects many people. Cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and to maintain balance and posture. It is due to a nonprogressive brain abnormality, which means that it does not get worse over time, though the exact symptoms can change over a person's lifetime. Cerebral palsy describes a range of disabilities associated with movement and posture. 'Cerebral' refers to the brain and 'palsy' means weakness or lack of muscle control. Cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage that affects a child's ability to control his or her muscles. The part of the brain that is damaged determines what parts of the body are affected. There are many possible causes of the brain damage. Some causes affect how the child's brain develops during the first 6 months of pregnancy. These causes include genetic conditions and problems with the blood supply to the brain. Other causes of cerebral palsy happen after the brain has developed. These causes can occur during later pregnancy, delivery, or the first years of the child's life. They include bacterial meningitis and other infections, bleeding in the brain, lack of oxygen, severe jaundice, and head injury. Cerebral palsy is not a disease, it is a condition. This type of brain damage may be caused by illnesses - such as rubella during pregnancy, meningitis in young children, or accidental injury to the brain. Types of cerebral palsy There are four main types of cerebral palsy: Spastic cerebral palsy - this is the most common type of cerebral palsy. Spasticity means stiffness or tightness of muscles, which is most obvious when the person tries to move. Athetoid cerebral palsy - athetosis means uncontrolled movements, which often lead to erratic movements. Ataxic cerebral palsy - this is the least common type of cerebral palsy. Ataxia means a lack of balance and coordination. It often presents as unsteady, shaky movements called tremors. Mixed type cerebral palsy - may involve a combination of types of cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy can be categorised into four main areas, according to the parts of the body it affects: Quadriplegia - all four limbs are affected and the muscles of the face and mouth may also be affected. Diplegia - when two limbs are affected. Hemiplegia - one side of the body is affected. Paraplegia - both legs, but neither of the arms, are affected. Other disabilities sometimes occur with cerebral palsy - hearing, sight or speech disorders, epilepsy or an intellectual disability. However, just because a person has cerebral palsy, it does not mean they will have other disabilities. Cerebral palsy cannot be cured. Treatment can, however, help a person take part in family, school, and work activities as much as possible. There are many treatments, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, operations, and braces. Signs in early childhood These signs may indicate cerebral palsy: Early feeding difficulties Delayed development Poor muscle control Muscle spasms Lack of coordination. Although the damage to the brain will not worsen, the effect on the body can become more obvious with age, and physical deformities can develop. Early intervention and treatment can reduce the severity of the effects of the disability. It is very important that a pregnant woman attends ante- natal clinic regularly. Pregnant women must also avoid predisposing factors such as drinking alcohol, smoking, exposure to toxic chemicals (pollution) and must eat healthy food to prevent pre maturity or underweight babies. Pregnant mothers must ensure that they give birth under supervision of a doctor or a mid wife. Baby's immunisation schedule must be up to date. Please visit your doctor or your nearest community health centre for more information. Many people with cerebral palsy can and do live independent lives in the community, and most people with cerebral palsy have the potential to participate in the same activities as others - in business, education, recreation, marriage or raising children. For more information contact: Nkosinathi Nkabinde Communications Officer City of Johannesburg Health Department Telephone: (011) 407 - 6477 Facsimile: (011) 407 - 1443