Is cerebral palsy a life threatening condition?

Condition analysis:
Cerebral palsy is not a terminal condition, but before the advent of newer medical techniques in the mid-twentieth century most children with CP did not live into adulthood; complications from the disorder claimed their lives. Today, between 65 and 90 percent of children with cerebral palsy reach adulthood. CP is stressful for the entire body and can cause premature aging, particularly of the heart, blood vessels, muscles, joints, and bones.

The complications stemming from CP can be life-threatening. Cerebral palsy can lead to respiratory and swallowing difficulties. Difficulty swallowing can lead to malnutrition and/or aspiration pneumonia-in which food is inhaled into the lungs causing an infection. Malnutrition causes weakness and muscle deterioration; it weakens the immune system making the patient more vulnerable to infections and less able to fully recover if an infection occurs.

CP patients whose mobility is extremely restricted may have to sit or lay down for extended periods of time, running the risk of pressure sores. Untreated pressure sores can develop life-threatening infections. The bowel and bladder problems frequently associated with CP can lead to more serious complications when not properly managed.

Instructions:
Physical Therapy
WebMD also notes that physical therapy is an important treatment for CP. Physical therapy centers on strengthening the muscles throughout your body so you are more able to control them. A treatment called constraint-induced movement therapy is also often used to encourage patients to develop the less-functioning muscles.

Ginger
Another treatment option backed by research is the use of ginger. Ginger is considered a circulatory herb that helps improve blood flow or circulation. By improving blood flow throughout the body, ginger also boosts the oxygen levels in the brain and increases available nutrients to cells. Look for ginger in a capsule form or simply use the herb in tea or as a cooking spice.

Keep reading below to discover more complementary and alternative treatments for supporting cerebral palsy care.