Where can you find cerebral palsy support group?

When an area of the brain responsible for motor skills, posture and balance fails to develop or is damaged, cerebral palsy may occur. Cerebral palsy is characterized by a difficulty in one's movement resulting to poor muscle coordination and can also impair the speech, vision and ability of the person to swallow. It exists either before or after birth as in the case of premature babies, those with low birth weight and multiple births. Brain damage due to other illness during infancy or early childhood will also lead to cerebral palsy. There are three types of cerebral palsy. Spastic or pyramidal where there is an increased muscle tone or jerky movement. Dyskinetic or extra pyramidal which can either be Athetoid or Ataxic. Athetoid is characterized by slow and writhing uncontrolled movements while Ataxic affects coordination and balance. The last type is Mixed or a mixture of the different types of cerebral palsy.

Although there is no known cure for cerebral palsy, medical treatment is still needed to reduce the other disabilities associated with it. The medical treatment for people with cerebral palsy includes physical therapy, occupational therapy and sometimes speech therapy. Physical therapy makes use of physical exercises and activities to develop motor skills and muscle tone. Occupational therapy focuses on the skills needed for the person afflicted with cerebral palsy to be independent and function like an ordinary person. This may include dressing, grooming and eating. Communication problems are also common among cerebral palsy patients. Speech therapy will help improve their speaking. Other medical treatment is also needed to address other effects of cerebral palsy. Such treatment will depend on the respective needs of the patient.

Living and caring for cerebral palsy patients can be taxing for their caregivers. It is for this reason that support groups are created. Support groups are composed of individuals who share the same circumstances as you. Most doctors recommend families to become members of support groups. They provide the needed education, sympathy, inspiration and assistance to make life bearable not only for patients but also for their families. Support groups are a valuable resource of information, tips and medical updates that most attending doctor recommends it. Being a member of such groups can bring positive results that will eventually benefit not only the patient but also the caregiver as well. The good news is that such support groups can be easily found. Cerebral palsy support groups are dime a dozen that the only difficulty will be choosing the appropriate group that will be most beneficial to ones needs.

Who Can You Turn To?

Ask the medical professional of a list of support groups. Most groups are associated with the medical institution or charitable organization. Inquire among cerebral palsy organizations. They have listings of different support groups. Ask the assistance of the local public library or community center in finding a support group operating within the area. Lastly, check the internet. Online resources contain listings of cerebral palsy support groups worldwide. The World Wide Web is a potent source of possible support groups. Websites devoted to cerebral palsy may have links, reference information and contact number. Visit social networking sites. Due to its growing popularity, it is also being utilized as a venue for the exchange of information, education and inspiration among its members dealing with cerebral palsy. Online communities and forum concerning cerebral palsy may provide links as well. Technology, particularly, the internet has made it easier to find a support group. One need not suffer alone. Having a support group to rely on is essential to overcome the struggles akin to cerebral palsy. Just type and click.

Cerebral Palsy Support Groups

  1. Hemi-Kids