Earlier this week I started to tell PM's story HERE. Here's a few more facts about Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy:
IS HEMIPLEGIA A PROGRESSIVE CONDITION? No hemiplegia is not a progressive condition, nor is it a disease. As children experience growth spurts, they may have more problems with muscle spasticity, but this does not mean that the initial injury has gotten worse.
ARE THERE TREATMENTS FOR CHILDREN WITH HEMIPLEGIA? Children with hemiplegia cannot be "cured", but therapies can help with some of the symptoms. Medication can be prescribed for seizures. Orthotics, braces, and splints may help with spasticity and gait (walking).
The average prevalence of cerebral palsy is about 1 in 278 children. This first report of the prevalence and characteristics of CP, the most common cause of motor disability in childhood, are from Georgia, Alabama and Wisconsin. Can you even begin to imagine the numbers if there was a national surveillance?
Now that we have a diagnosis, let me tell you a little about what's gone on this past year. PM sees an Occupational Therapist, wears AFO braces, walks (she's still quite a bit more "clumsy" than kids her age), is talking (I interpret often for Dad) and we are so very fortunate not to have any seizures so far. I've put a little more detail HERE about what we've been doing.
Our friend at Life of Logan is hosting a giveaway in honor of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. Please visit them to see how you can send your support and read more about CP!
Please also visit these friends:
Brendon at Brendon's Smile
Jack at Our Incredible Journey
Max at To The Max
Darsie at Cerebral Palsy Baby
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6 comments:
Hey, Mel! Thanks for this post—I didn't know it was CP Awareness Day. Thanks, too, for the link to our blog earlier this week. Oh, and Oreos? They ARE evil. I was in the dollar store last weekend, and they had a package of these new kinds of Oreas, they're like puffed-up Oreos. EVEN MORE EVIL!
I hadn't known about Piper's history till I read your post. I've been blogging about Max since October, and I've never gotten into his history. It's very hard for me to go there, but I was thinking of doing it next week, maybe in belated honor of CP Awareness Day.
Take care-
Guess what? It's Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month! ANother thing I didn't know.
Happy CP Awareness Day/Month!
Thanks for the shout out! We love you guys!! It's a little easier knowing we are not alone.
I love, LOVE this! Thanks a bazillion for spreading CP awareness!
Hi Mel, long time no talk (or write)! Hope you're all doing well. I was just wondering, does Piper wear AFO's on both legs, or just on her right leg? Daniel is having some issues with pronation on his left (involved) foot, so I think it's time to head back to the orthotist.
Anyway, the kids are adorable as ever, and it sounds like Piper is continuing to make great progress! Take care.
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