Cerebral Palsy Is a Leading Cause of Paralysis

Posted on April 21, 2009 by David Austin

Cerebral palsy is the fourth leading cause of paralysis in the United States, according to a new report by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. The report estimated that about 412,000 of the more than five million cases of paralysis in the U.S. are due to cerebral palsy.

What is cerebral palsy? Cerebral palsy is a movement disorder that can cause spasticity, paralysis or limpness in the arms and legs – sometimes the condition only affects one side or half of the body, and other times it affects all limbs.

Cerebral palsy is generally caused by brain damage and is diagnosed in thousands of infants and children each year. As with spinal cord injuries, there is no cure for cerebral palsy. However, extensive research efforts are being made to change this.

The top three causes of paralysis include stroke, spinal cord injury (which Christopher Reeve suffered) and multiple sclerosis. Additional causes include traumatic brain injury and birth defects.


 

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January Is National Birth Defects Prevention Month

Posted on January 6, 2009 by David Austin

January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month, and this year’s awareness topic is “Obesity Prevention and Weight Management – Before, During and After Pregnancy.” Obesity is a national epidemic that gives rise to numerous health problems, but many are unaware that pregnancy complications are among those problems.

According to the March of Dimes, approximately one in every 33 babies is born with a birth defect each year in the United States. A birth defect is defined as an abnormality that results in physical or mental disability (and sometimes death). The causes of birth defects are largely unknown, but some may be attributed to genetic factors, environmental factors, or some combination of the two.

Reducing Risk Caused by Environmental Factors


Alcohol consumption, maternal health (including weight), infections, medications, exposure to certain chemicals—these are all environmental factors that increase the risk of birth defects in a newborn. While it’s not always possible to prevent birth defects, paying attention to environmental factors such as these can help reduce the risk.

For instance, certain infections are known to increase the risk of cerebral palsy and timely diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the development of the condition. Likewise, alcohol consumption is known to result in a birth defect known as fetal alcohol syndrome so avoiding alcohol during pregnancy will ensure that the fetus doesn’t develop this defect.

Help Raise Awareness


There are numerous ways you can help raise awareness for the prevention of birth defects. The National Birth Defect Prevention Network (NBDPN) provides informational packets and materials on its website and also gives ideas on how to reach out to others.
 

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