Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a central nervous system disorder of muscle control/coordination resulting from injury to the brain during its early (fetal, perinatal and early childhood) stages of development. Both the extent and the location of the brain injury determine the type and distribution of cerebral palsy. The major functional disabilities are in mobility and communication with the added possibility of impairment of intellect, vision and other functions.
With cerebral palsy, although the muscles and the nerves connecting them to the spinal cord are perfectly normal, the problem lies in the brain's inability to control the muscles. Therefore, the muscles that are activated for maintaining posture, balance and movement become uncoordinated and weak.
Home Medical Equipment for Cerebral Palsy Patients
When it comes to medical equipment, those with cerebral palsy present some challenging problems. Often, extensive seating adaptations to the wheelchair are required in order to enhance function, independence and mobility. The wheelchair is called upon to do more than provide a comfortable means of mobility. With cerebral palsy, the chair must also aid the effort to normalize muscle tone and to minimize the occurrence of deformity. A properly designed seating system can meet specific structural needs as well as greatly contribute to improvement of general health and social well being of a person with cerebral palsy.
Accessing communication devices or environmental controls also poses a unique set of challenges for a person with impaired motor function caused by this disease. Often special switching options are necessary and the equipment specialist may be called upon to provide a wide range of custom modifications.
A broad-based knowledge of the special needs of a cerebral palsy patient will help the equipment specialist find appropriate ambulation devices; bathing and toileting equipment; and daily living aids.
