20% of handicapped kids suffer from cerebral palsy: World Health Organization

Cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects a child’s movement, motor skills, and muscle tone, in most cases is caused by brain damage that develops while the baby is still in utero or during or shortly after birth.

As per World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that 10% of the global population is suffering from some form of disability while in India the number is pegged at 3.8% of the population. Nearly 15-20% of the total physically handicapped children suffer from cerebral palsy and in India, the estimated incidences are around 5 per 1,000 live births.

On the occasion of World Cerebral Palsy Day, which is observed on October 6 every year, experts say that though there is currently no cure for the disorder, there are advance medical and surgical treatment options that can help children live a quality life and a healthy a adult life.

“It is a disease of global occurrence and its incidences are increasing mainly because of high survival rate of premature babies by advance health care system. Currently in India it affects roughly 5 children per 1,000 live births,” Dr Rajat Malot, Pediatric Orthopedic specialist at Neo Clinic said. “Research indicates that the disorder can be caused during pregnancy when the baby’s brain fails to develop correctly or gets damaged. Brain damage can occur from maternal illnesses and diseases, genetic factors, or using illegal drugs while pregnant Cerebral palsy can also happen during childbirth.” he added.

As per experts, symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary from mild walking difficulty to completely bedridden child dependent on parents. Some may have seizures and some may have cognitive disabilities. The condition can affect any muscles in the body, so possible complications include trouble with balance, eye problems, bladder or bowel problems, poor range of motion in joints, and difficulty in swallowing.

“Therapy is common for almost all children with cerebral palsy as it helps them with the crucial aspects of growth and development,” said Dr Rajat.

Common Therapy

“Therapy is common for almost all children with cerebral palsy as it helps them with the crucial aspects of growth and development. Therapy is usually started shortly after a diagnosis and can include both physical and speech therapy. Therapies help patients learn techniques for movements, stretching, hearing, eating, drinking, learning, speech, hearing, and social development,” said Dr Rajat.

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