The Hidden Connection Between Gum Disease and Stroke

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, it might be time to go. According to research conducted in the last 20 years, oral health is related to heart health. Although there is no clear cause and effect relationship between the two, people with poor oral health tend to have poor heart health. That’s not saying that a cardiologist can tell you about your oral health, or that a dentist can tell you about the shape of your heart. But still, since your heart health matters when it comes to stroke prevention, you should be aware of the connection. Let’s have a...
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Understanding Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: How to Spot the Symptoms & Treatment Methods

Ataxic cerebral palsy is a type of cerebral palsy that is primarily characterized by poor balance and coordination. Only about 5% of all CP cases are ataxic, making it the rarest type. Individuals with ataxic CP may experience difficulties coordinating their steps or performing tasks that require precision such as writing. Fortunately, there are ways to target these skills and improve them to optimize quality of life. Causes of Ataxic Cerebral Palsy Cerebral palsy is a developmental motor disability caused by damage to the brain before, during, or shortly after birth. Common causes of damage include premature birth, lack of oxygen in the brain, and...
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Tips for One-Handed Cooking After Stroke

After a stroke, many survivors find themselves either weakened or paralyzed on one side of their bodies. They may also experience spasticity in their limbs, which makes muscles tight and stiff, restricting movement. Having stiff muscles and limited or no movement on one side of the body makes everyday life a lot more challenging. Imagine going about your morning routine with one hand tied behind your back. You would have to find new ways to do the things that you used to do every day without thinking about them. While many stroke survivors are able to overcome weakness on one side of the...
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Different Types of Cerebral Palsy: Spastic, Dyskinetic, Ataxic, and MixedSpastic Hemiplegia: When Cerebral Palsy Only Affects One Side of the Body

Cerebral palsy consists of a wide range of movement disorders caused by damage to the developing brain. Depending on the location and severity of that damage, individuals may present with various secondary effects. As a result, no two cases of cerebral palsy are exactly alike. However, there are some general characteristics that distinguish the various types of cerebral palsy. What are the 4 Different Types of Cerebral Palsy? Generally, cerebral palsy can be classified into 4 main types: spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, and mixed. To understand how these types of cerebral palsy affect the body, it helps to understand a little brain anatomy. While...
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Spastic Hemiplegia: When Cerebral Palsy Only Affects One Side of the Body

Cerebral palsy is a motor disability that affects movement in the body. Sometimes it can affect the whole body, but with spastic hemiplegia, only the left or right half of the body is affected. When an individual with spastic hemiplegia struggles with movement on the left or right side of the body, it can cause difficulty with balance, gait, and participation in daily activities. Fortunately, there are many available methods for rehabilitation. Causes of Spastic Hemiplegia When cerebral palsy affects only one side of the body, it is called spastic hemiplegia. To understand this condition, it helps to have a basic understanding of...
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