Cerebral Palsy in a Nutshell

The United Cerebral Palsy organization defined Cerebral Palsy (CP) as "a term used to describe a group of chronic conditions affecting body movement and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain, usually occurring during fetal development; before, during, or shortly after birth; or during infancy. Thus, these disorders are not caused by problems in the muscles or nerves. Instead, faulty development or damage to motor areas in the brain disrupt the brain's ability to adequately control movement and posture."

Here are some facts to note about cerebral palsy from the Cerebral Palsy Organization:

• About 10,000 babies per year in the U.S. will develop cerebral palsy (Center for Disease Control and Prevention).
• An estimated 800,000 people have cerebral palsy in US (United Cerebral Palsy)
• About 2-3 children per 1,000 have cerebral palsy (March of Dimes).
• In 2003 dollars, the average lifetime cost of cerebral palsy is an estimated $921,000. This does not include hospital visits, emergency room visits, residential care, and other out of pocket expenses (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes NINDS).
• Two-thirds of children with cerebral palsy will be mentally impaired (NINDS).
• For every 1000 babies born, about 2-3 endure brachial plexus birth injuries. This tops the incidents of Down’s Syndrome or Muscular Dystrophy (United Brachial Plexus Network).

My interest? Good question. Stay tuned and keep on reading.