Cerebral palsy is not a progressive or a degenerative disorder. In and of itself, it does not affect life expectancy. A prognosis for a child with cerebral palsy may be difficult to determine before the child is two years old. As symptoms become more obvious and the type and severity of the disease become evident, the prognosis is easier to determine.
An accurate diagnosis of the cause of the disorder in a specific patient is especially important in determining treatment and prognosis.
Reaching certain milestones in a child's development of motor and language function and lack of vision problems are important for predicting the child's future ability to walk. A study of a over 2,000 children with cerebral palsy found those who could sit or pull themselves up by the time they were two years old had a much better chance of eventually walking.
Factors That Affects a CP Prognosis
Prognoses vary widely among individual patients. The degree of damage to the brain and the types and severity of the resulting disabilities determine the prognosis. The disorder can range from very mild with few symptoms to severe conditions that present a much greater challenge.
Depending on the type and severity of the disorder, patients may benefit from a large team of specialists, coordinated by the child's physician. They include:
- Surgeons
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Behavioral therapists
- Speech and language pathologists
- Social workers
- Educators
Mild Cerebral Palsy Prognosis
Although no cure exists, in cases of mild cerebral palsy with few secondary complications the prognosis is excellent. Such persons can lead a nearly normal life and live as long as most other people.
- In these patients, the disorder may be undetected until the child is 4 or 5
- Treatment for children with mild CP may be inadvertently delayed because their symptoms are diagnosed only when they are older
- In some situations, the child doesn't have any intellectual problems but may have trouble with coordination
- Children with mild cerebral palsy may be emotionally or socially disadvantaged because they are not as coordinated as other children
- Physical therapy can improve the prognosis of children with mild awkwardness or other minor physical impairment
Severe Cerebral Palsy Prognosis
Children with severe cerebral palsy who are seriously physically and mentally disabled may need lifelong, specialized treatment and care. Because the disorder cannot be cured, caregivers need to focus on improving the conditions that result from the child's brain damage.
Many conditions, other than motor and intellectual impairment, often occur as a result of the disorder. These may include:
- Epilepsy
- Incontinence
- Poor bone density
- Pain
- Premature aging
- Arthritis
- Depression
- Hypertension
- Difficulty eating and swallowing
For more information and resources, contact our cerebral palsy attorneys today.
