Tag Archives: cerebral palsy attorney

Types of Cerebral Palsy

The term “cerebral palsy” covers a wide range of disabilities and impairments, most of them caused by brain damage during childbirth. There are four main types of cerebral palsy: Spastic People with spastic cerebral palsy (like Jaylan Norfleet from our previous post) have muscles that are too stiff. Spastic cerebral palsy is divided into different categories depending on the number of limbs affected: Spastic hemiplegia: one side of the body is affected Spastic diplegia: only affects the legs Spastic quadriplegia: affects all four limbs. Spastic cerebral palsy often results in difficulty speaking, and cognitive functions may be normal. It is the most common form of cerebral palsy. Ataxic People with ataxic cerebral palsy have weakened muscle tone. This often results in difficulty walking, poor coordination, poor balance and challenges with fine motor skills like writing. This is the least common form of cerebral palsy. Athetoid People with athetoid cerebral palsy…
Read More »

Posted in Cerebral Palsy | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Types of Cerebral Palsy

Acupuncture: An Alternative Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a birth defect resulting from damage to the part of the brain that controls cognitive thought, motor skills and sensory functions. This damage can lead to intellectual limitations, learning disabilities, hearing problems, vision impairments, behavioral issues, speech difficulties, movement problems and seizures. Traditional treatment often involves some combination of physical, occupational or speech therapy, medication, use of orthotic devices, or surgery. However, some parents also look to alternative treatment options to help their children cope with cerebral palsy complications. One alternative treatment that has started gaining popularity is acupuncture. According to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA), acupuncture “is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning . . . by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.” The classical Chinese belief is that acupuncture needles unblock obstructions in the energy channels that run…
Read More »

Posted in Newsletters | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Acupuncture: An Alternative Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

How iPads Can Enhance Cerebral Palsy Treatment

The iPad and other tablet computers are proving to be very helpful for children with cerebral palsy. With thousands of disability-related apps, a large touch screen and good portability, the iPad can serve as communicator, therapeutic device, educational tool and behavior monitor. iPads have much larger screens than other Apple devices, such as the iPhone and iPod touch, making them more accessible to children with vision problems or diminished motor skills. For many children with cerebral palsy, the large touch screen is easier to use than a keyboard or a mouse. Also, by using the touch screen, children can actually improve their fine motor skills. The iPad also offers children with cerebral palsy a chance to “fit in.” Other kids might carry around cell phones or iPods that children with cerebral palsy simply are not able to use. The larger-yet-still-portable iPad is an ideal choice for these children, and having…
Read More »

Posted in Newsletters | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on How iPads Can Enhance Cerebral Palsy Treatment