By Paulette Short


There is not much that can prepare individuals for the shock and pain of being informed that their baby has cerebral palsy. Nothing a medical professional or doctor can say will lessen the grief that comes from knowing that one's child has received such a diagnosis. However, cerebral palsy support groups for parents provide many benefits to individuals faced with such circumstances.

The Cerebral Palsy Association reports that up to 1,000,000 individuals in the US alone are afflicted with this condition. Each year, about ten thousand babies are born with some variation of the disorder. News of this type can be catastrophic to parents, which is why the aforementioned groups offer invaluable services to those in this category.

There are over 200 groups of this kind that one can join on the Internet, or he or she can attend such a meeting in person. Regardless of one's personal choice, all groups of this kind typically offer up-to-date news about this catastrophic illness, as well as advice, education, and inspiration.

The term cerebral palsy refers to a group of incurable neuromuscular conditions that cause abnormal body movements and poor muscle coordination. The disease is typically diagnosed in infancy, and the condition itself is generally caused by an injury that occurs at birth. However, additional reasons a person may develop the disorder also exist.

If an unborn child's brain is deprived of oxygen, it may lead to cerebral palsy. The latter may also be caused by a limited blood supply to the embryo in a woman's first trimester of pregnancy. There are numerous reasons such incidents may happen, including genetic predispositions to poor oxygen or blood flow.

In some cases, a viral or bacterial infection is spread to the infant during the mother's pregnancy. Unfortunately, this exposes the fetus to toxins and other substances that may result in brain injury. Even diabetes or anemia can put an unborn baby at risk for the disorder.

As mentioned above, the disorder is most frequently the result of an injury that occurs during labor. Such injuries may be caused by the delivering physician's negligence, as he or she may improperly use forceps to position the infant in the vaginal canal. If such instruments are not used properly, the infant's brain can be damaged. However, a breach birth can also result in cerebral palsy, even if a C-section is performed. Unfortunately, even if the breach is discovered, if the baby remains in an incorrect position for too long before the C-section is performed, the result is usually brain damage.

Children suffering from this condition may experience less coordination on one side of the bunny than the other. They may also have periods of spastic muscle twitching. In numerous instances, the youngster will close his or her fists for extended periods of time. The child may also have difficulties consuming food, as sucking her swallowing may be challenging.

Fortunately, individuals can enhance their coping skills and work toward a higher quality of life when they avail themselves of the services of cerebral palsy support groups for parents. Although having a disabled child is a painful and devastating occurrence, support groups can definitely help men and women faced with such circumstances to stay as positive as possible. Those with youngsters suffering from this condition are wise to seek such assistance.




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