I am a young adult living with cerebral palsy. What can I expect to experience as I age?

Question

I am only 21 years old and I am experiencing a progressive loss of strength and mobility. Because my case is mild, I will admit to have been denying my condition. However, this has prooved foolish. I am disapointed in myself for what things have turned into. I know that I can turn this around, but how?

Answer 1

Cerebral palsy is defined as a disorder of movement and posture due to a non-progressive lesion of the motor pathways in the developing brain. However, although it is non-progressive, the clinical manifestations evolve with cerebral maturation, thereby i think your recent pubertal growth spur had something to do with the increased symptoms. However cerebral palsy patients usually benefit greatly from team therapy involving physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and phsycologists, apart from their regular doctors and specialists. Try to see your specialist as soon as possible, as these therapies might prove very useful to you and prevent severe complications especially muscle contractures and abnormal postures. In the worst cases, there is even the possibility of certain operations to remove painful contractures and facilitate movements.

I can understand your denial, but the best way to help yourself at the moment is to accept yourself just as you are. Good luck

Answer 2

Doctors diagnose cerebral palsy by testing motor skills and reflexes, looking into medical history, and employing a variety of specialized tests. Although its symptoms may change over time, cerebral palsy by definition is not progressive, so if a patient shows increased impairment, the problem may be something other than cerebral palsy.