What is cerebral palsy, what are the symptoms in babies and children, what are the types and what causes it? – The Sun

Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect muscle control, movement and coordination

APPROXIMATELY 1,800 children are diagnosed with cerebral palsy every year and there are an estimated 30,000 children with cerebral palsy in the UK.

But what is cerebral palsy, what are the symptoms and what causes it?Heres what you need to know.

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Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect muscle control, movement and coordination.

Its usually caused by a problem with the brain that occurs before, during or after birth.

Usually, the symptoms of cerebral palsy arent obvious immediately after a baby is born, but they tend to become noticeable during the first two or three years of a childs life.

According to the NHS, symptoms can include:

The severity of symptoms can vary some of those with the condition only experience minor problems, while others may be severely disabled.

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Cerebral palsy can occur if a babys brain doesnt develop normally while in the womb or is damaged during or soon after birth.Causes include:

In many cases, the exact cause of cerebral palsy isnt clear, but the following factors can increase the chances of the condition occurring:

A combination of the above can further increase the chance of cerebral palsy.

There are three main types of cerebral palsy and many of those with the condition will have a mixture of these types.The three types are:

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Currently, there is no cure for cerebral palsy but physiotherapy and other therapies can help those with cerebral palsy become more independent.

Generally speaking, people with cerebral palsy will have the same life expectancy as anyone else.

The condition itself is not progressive and the injury to the brain does not change.

However, the effects of the condition can put a lot of strain on the body and cause problems such as painful joints in later life.

Recently, we reported on Harry Parker, who also appeared on ITVs This Morning to talk about his condition.

Harry, seven, has a rare form of cerebral palsy. He faced life in a wheelchair unless his family could find 75,000 for a crucial op on his spine to let him walk.

But in a remarkable act of kindness, steel firm boss Glenn Tamplin gifted the family 45,000 to complete their fundraising efforts.

Thanks to that stunning gesture, footie-mad Harry can look forward to having a kickabout with his dad and dreams of emulating his hero Spurs and England star Harry Kane.

Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, the brave youngster said: I always wanted to play football with Daddy but havent been able to.

A kind stranger turned my life around and now hes a friend of all my family. Now I can stand and walk, I want to kick a ball with all my friends. One day Id love to be like Harry Kane.

Those looking for guidance concerning cerebral palsy may find it useful to contact a support group.

In the UK, Scope is the main charity for people with cerebral palsy and their families.

Scope offer a free telephone helpline on 0808 800 3333 as well as an email helpline: helpline@scope.org.uk.

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What is cerebral palsy, what are the symptoms in babies and children, what are the types and what causes it? - The Sun