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This is an archive article published on September 25, 2013

Understanding Cerebral Palsy

World Cerebral Palsy Day is observed on October 2. There are 17 million people with cerebral palsy worldwide

World Cerebral Palsy Day is observed on October 2. There are 17 million people with cerebral palsy worldwide and,in India alone,there are more than 2.5 million affected individuals. “Cerebral Palsy (CP) is caused by brain damage that occurs while a child’s brain is still developing — before birth,during birth,or in the early years after birth,” says Dr Leena Srivastava Pandit,a developmental pediatrician,who is in charge of the child development and guidance clinic at Bharati hospital.

On World CP Day,the Bharati Hospital Child Development and Guidance Clinic (CDGC ) will conduct a free assessment camp on Wednesday,with pediatric orthopaedician Dr Sandeep Patwardhan assessing these children for interventions for mobility as required.

An individual with cerebral palsy is likely to show signs of physical impairment. However,the type of movement dysfunction,the location and number of limbs involved,as well as the extent of impairment,will vary from one individual to another. It can affect arms and legs on one side or both. Even the extent of affection varies. Some may be near normal functioning with therapy,while some may have a severe degree of impairment. Other complications,such as intellectual impairment,seizures,and vision or

hearing impairment may also commonly accompany cerebral palsy in some patients.

“However there are many misconceptions among people about the problem,” says Srivastava,adding that it is important to focus on rehabilitative services. “Early interventions and rehabilitation are the most important aspects of the services that should be available to CP children,”says Srivastava.

“We made comprehensive team services available at a very affordable cost so as to reach out to maximum number of needy children with CP,” says Dr Sanjay Lalwani ,Head of Pediatrics and Medical director of Bharati Hospital.


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