Cerebral Palsy and Aging

Cerebral palsy (CP), often caused by medical malpractice during birth, affects the brain and the nervous system of newborns, persisting throughout their lifetime. This condition often requires extensive physical and emotional therapy. As newborns and adults with CP age, various complications may arise, necessitating extensive and costly medical care. It is crucial for families to consult experienced birth injury lawyers who can anticipate these complications, evaluate required medical treatments, and estimate associated costs.

Does cerebral palsy worsen as patients get older?

According to Flint Rehab (a neurorehab technology developer), cerebral palsy is non-progressive, meaning the initial brain damage does not deteriorate over time. However, aging individuals with cerebral palsy are prone to developing complications that can be challenging and expensive to manage. Early intervention is essential to mitigate these challenges.

Read More: How Cerebral Palsy Affects Patients as They Age

What complications and treatments are used to help adults with CP

A few common cerebral palsy complications include:

• Spasticity: Defined as an involuntary muscle contraction due to disrupted brain signals, spasticity can cause pain, tremors, and stiffness. Prolonged muscle contraction may lead to muscle, bone, and joint imbalances. As children grow, uneven forces can cause dislocations, contractures, and body distortions. Complications may include dislocated hips and scoliosis.
• Communication difficulties: Cerebral palsy can cause different types of communication challenges, including speech, hearing, and learning impairments. As children age, an inability to communicate can cause frustration, difficulty enjoying relationships, and challenges finding suitable work. Early intervention with speech and language therapies is crucial but can be costly.
• Musculoskeletal problems: Musculoskeletal strain, motor control challenges, and increased stress levels take a toll. Some organs and connective tissues can suffer damage due to body distortions. These consequences can cause musculoskeletal difficulties and chronic pain as a person with cerebral palsy ages.
• Premature aging and fatigue: Aging with CP can lead to musculoskeletal strain, motor control issues, and increased stress levels, affecting overall health. Complications such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are common due to reduced mobility and poor nutrition. Adults with cerebral palsy who have weak bones have a higher risk of falling and other accidents.
• Mental health: Adults who have cerebral palsy are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation than adults who don’t have cerebral palsy.

How should cerebral palsy in the elderly be treated?

When advocating for clients with cerebral palsy, it is vital for birth injury lawyers to collaborate with knowledgeable medical professionals. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of potential complications and associated costs of managing them. Early intervention significantly improves the quality of life for individuals with cerebral palsy.

Common CP treatments require:

• Routine examinations: Early detection of complications allows for prompt treatment initiation.
• Regular exercise: Regular exercise is essential for anyone with cerebral palsy because they’re more likely to develop osteoporosis and osteoarthritis as they get older. Per Flint Rehab, stretching can also help expand a cerebral palsy patient’s range of motion in their joints “by lengthening tight muscles caused by spasticity.” Your child should work with a physical therapist. These healthcare providers are trained to ensure that the people in their care who have CP use the correct techniques and the proper exercises under safe conditions. Using poor form on a consistent basis can “place excess pressure on the joints, which can lead to further musculoskeletal problems.”
• Proper nutrition: The diet of individuals with cerebral palsy is crucial. A poor diet can lead to muscle and bone weakening, even with regular exercise. Parents of children with CP and adults with CP should ensure they have the proper levels of calcium, protein, phosphorus, vitamin D, and A nutrient-dense diet supports optimal bodily function and increases energy levels.
• Assistive devices: Independence fosters confidence and self-esteem in individuals with cerebral palsy. Assistive devices help people with CP perform daily tasks on their own as they age. Common assistive devices include wheelchairs, universal cuffs that make gripping easier, gait trainers to help children walk, braces, leg lifters, standing frames, and bath chairs. These devices can enhance fine motor skills. Children and adults often benefit from working with an occupational therapist who can review which adaptive devices can help the most.
• Support groups: When children have cerebral palsy, they often have support from parents, other relatives, teachers, and classmates for companionship. Similarly, adults, especially older adults whose parents are deceased, may find joining a cerebral palsy support group beneficial for connecting with others who share similar health conditions, experiences, and interests.

Cerebral palsy lasts for life. With planning and the money to pay for appropriate medical care and treatments, your child can address their motor function, communication abilities, social abilities, and mental health challenges as they become adults and seniors.

Please contact Paulson & Nace, PLLC through this contact form or by calling the office.