Certain aspects of the condition can increase the likelihood of life-threatening complications.
Children and adults who have cerebral palsy experiencephysical and/or cognitive impairment and possibly seizuresdue to abnormalities of brain development.
Cerebral palsy is not degenerativethe effect on the brain does not worsen over time.
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However, there is no cure for the condition.
It is the most common cause of physical disability in childhood.
Many people who have cerebral palsy have close to a normal life expectancy.
However, cerebral palsy can shorten life expectancy, especially for people who have severe physical or cognitive limitations.
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What Affects Life Expectancy for Cerebral Palsy?
Many things affect life expectancy for cerebral palsy.
Mobility
Mobility is a persons ability to control their physical movements and to get around.
Surgery and recovery can be risky for people who have cerebral palsy.
More severe cognitive impairment is associated with excess mortality in cerebral palsy.
Cognitive impairment interferes with communication, making it difficult for people to express physical or emotional needs or distress.
Problems can progress and may become life-threatening when they aren’t identified and treated in a timely manner.
However, severe vision problems can affect safety, especially if someone has motor and/or cognitive limitations.
Eating and Swallowing Difficulties
Swallowing has a major impact on life expectancy in cerebral palsy.
Difficulty swallowing can lead to life-threatening choking episodes and aspiration (which can causeaspiration pneumonia).
Additionally, difficulty eating can causemalnutrition, which can have an impact on survival as well.
Bone malformations, including malformations of the spine, can develop due to impaired motor control.
Severe bone deformities with cerebral palsy are associated with a worse prognosis.
Respiratory impairment can make it difficult to breathe and cough adequately, increasing the risk of pneumonia.
Seizures
Seizures can affect life expectancy in cerebral palsy, but this is not always the case.
Even if you have seizures and cerebral palsy, you’re able to have a normal lifespan.
How Would a Healthcare Provider Predict Approximate Life Expectancy?
Survival is associated with disability score in cerebral palsy.
Getting timely care can help alleviate potential harmful health issues.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Cerebral palsy.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Epilepsies and seizures.
