Severity and frequency of respiratory infection is a significant factor. Difficulty in swallowing and feeding can lead to the inhalation of food particles. This can cause infection in the lungs or pneumonia, which are also of concern. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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Eight Factors Affecting Life Span Predicting how life span is altered by a medical condition is nearly impossible, although it is of great concern to parents. They are: Number of impairments and key disabilities Severity level Mobility restrictions Feeding difficulties Seizures Cognitive functioning Visual acuity Respiratory functioning These are detailed below.
Number of impairments and key disabilities An increase in the number of impairments has an adverse effect on life expectancy calculations for individuals living with Cerebral Palsy. Feeding difficulties Children who are able to self-feed are more likely to experience a full life than children who need assistance with feeding. Seizures Children who experience seizures, especially severe and frequent seizures, in addition to Cerebral Palsy are at risk for diminished life expectancy when compared to children who are without seizure.
Cognitive functioning Intellectual capability has a strong relationship to the life expectancy of a child with Cerebral Palsy. Cognitive factors that contribute to diminished life span include: Presence and severity of intellectual disability Inability to speak intelligible words Inability to recognize voices Inability to interact with peers It is unclear whether reduced cognitive function itself is the cause of diminished life expectancy, or the sign of a more severe level of impairment.
Visual acuity Impaired visual function is linked to diminished life span in children with Cerebral Palsy. For more information, visit Visual Acuity. Respiratory functioning Respiratory functioning, as well as swallowing and chewing difficulties, is a factor in reduced life expectancy for children with Cerebral Palsy. Learn More. And, although permanent, there are many ways to help improve the quality of life of people with cerebral palsy. Children with CP face a number of risk factors, including:.
The common types of cerebral palsy are:. Spastic CP is the most common type of CP. This type of CP results in problems with reflexes, stiffness, tight muscles or joints, and difficulty walking. In cases of Athetoid CP or non-spastic CP, the person may have a stiff or rigid body, floppy limbs, difficulty standing up straight, and even trouble with eating. In Ataxic CP, the child may have difficulty with balance and coordination. Ataxic CP may include trouble speaking, visual impairments, shakiness and tremors, and feet that spread apart while walking.
The resulting impairments will vary depending on what areas of the brain have been injured. A child with moderate to severe motor impairment may require special accommodations and life-long care. Children who suffer intellectual impairment in addition to CP may also have a reduced life expectancy.
Common signs of cognitive impairment due to brain damage may include language difficulties. Depending on the part of the brain that is injured, the cognitive impairments will vary.
If a person is unable to communicate effectively, it is challenging to communicate needs, emotions, and desires. Occupational therapy can be an effective treatment to help children overcome their cognitive impairments and learn to communicate.
Some people with CP also suffer from visual or hearing impairments. If a child is blind or deaf, then they may require special education and accommodations. Sometimes people with CP have difficulty with swallowing and eating. Additionally, breathing problems can be especially dangerous for people who have substantial cognitive impairment and cannot adequately express that they are experiencing respiratory distress or ask for help.
Seizures can affect life expectancy in cerebral palsy, but this is not always the case. Even if you have seizures and cerebral palsy, you can have a normal lifespan. Medications can be used to manage and prevent seizures. However, there is an increased risk of death due to status epilepticus , a type of prolonged and dangerous seizure that will not stop until it is treated with the administration of emergency anti-seizure medications.
In general, severe epilepsy characterized by frequent seizures that are not easily controlled with medication is more likely to lead to status epilepticus than well-controlled epilepsy with infrequent seizures. Additionally, there is a risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy SUDEP , a rare complication of epilepsy. If you or your child has cerebral palsy and are taking anti-epileptic drugs AEDs , be sure to take them as directed to avoid breakthrough seizures from skipping doses or toxicity from taking too much.
Survival is associated with disability score in cerebral palsy. Many of the symptoms and complications of cerebral palsy can be managed, prevented, and treated. If you or your child has cerebral palsy, your healthcare provider would discuss signs of health problems that you should look out for.
Getting timely care can help alleviate potential harmful health issues. Warning signs you should look out for include:. If you notice any of these issues, they can be treated to reduce the risk of life-threatening complications of cerebral palsy. Living with cerebral palsy can be challenging. The effects of this condition require lifestyle adjustments, family support, and ongoing medical care. People living with mild forms of cerebral palsy can have a normal life expectancy with some attention to health and safety accommodations.
And even people who have severe forms of cerebral palsy can have a normal or near-normal life expectancy when medical issues are closely monitored and complications are managed promptly.
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Data and statistics for cerebral palsy. December 31, Survival and mortality in cerebral palsy: observations to the sixth decade from a data linkage study of a total population register and National Death Index. BMC Neurol. Cleveland Clinic. Cerebral palsy. The severity of the respiratory issues may be related to a reduction in life expectancy.
This can lead to other health and emotional problems that impact the quality of life and life expectancy. Eating difficulties — If chewing and swallowing are impacted by cerebral palsy, it can reduce the life expectancy of individuals. Difficulty in eating can cause malnutrition, which weakens the immune system, and can cause muscle deterioration. Seizures — People who suffer from CP, as well as seizures, may have a reduced lifespan, especially if the seizures are frequent and severe.
Even though the seizures are not a result of the same brain injury as CP, they can be caused by conditions that result from CP. Cognitive functioning — The intellectual capability of a child has a direct relationship to life expectancy. Visual acuity — Impaired vision has been linked to reduced lifespan in individuals suffering from CP. When Cerebral Palsy Cases Are Medical Malpractice When cerebral palsy happens due to the negligence or mistake of a medical professional, it may be considered medical malpractice.
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