Mixed Cerebral Palsy: Causes, Effects, and Management

Mixed cerebral palsy occurs when an individual experiences the effects of multiple types of cerebral palsy. For example, one type of CP may affect movement patterns while another mostly affects fine-motor coordination. If you have mixed CP, you may experience both of these effects. Fortunately, many individuals with mixed cerebral palsy learn how to effectively manage their motor impairments, be functional, and maintain a high quality of life. Causes of Mixed Cerebral Palsy Mixed cerebral palsy is caused by damage to multiple areas of the brain. It can occur due to any combination of damage to the developing motor cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus, and...

The Relationship Between Seizures and Strokes

Strokes can damage the brain in many ways, and these negative effects take different forms depending on the person and their stroke. But in general, strokes can influence emotions, mobility, verbal communication, behavior, and memory. One problem caused by stroke that’s harder to notice is the increased risk of seizures. Seizures are actually more common after stroke than you might have guessed. Statistics show that seizures afflict 22 percent of people who suffer from strokes. They are important to watch out for as they indicate malfunctions in brain activity and cause an altered state of awareness for a stretch of time. The information below gives you...

Spastic Quadriplegia: Causes, Effects, Treatment, & Management Tips

Spastic quadriplegia is a type of cerebral palsy characterized by high muscle tone (spasticity) that affects the entire body. This may include the muscles of the mouth, which can affect an individual’s ability to speak, chew, and swallow. Generally, individuals with spastic quadriplegia experience equal or greater motor impairments in their upper body than their lower body. Causes of Spastic Quadriplegia As with all forms of cerebral palsy, spastic quadriplegia is the result of damage to the developing brain before, during, or shortly after birth. Spastic quadriplegia results from damage to the motor cortex, the region of the brain primarily responsible for controlling voluntary movements. Because...

The Benefits of Tai Chi and Stroke Rehabilitation

A stroke survivor has the potential to experience traumatic damage throughout their body. Making matters even worse, the process of recovery for an individual can feel like an uphill battle with limited options and overwhelming rehabilitation programs. Along with healing the body, one of the most important things to consider is how well a survivor can adjust to their new lifestyle. Of course, one’s life may never be exactly the same as before, but a feeling of regularity can be achieved with a positive outlook and an open mind. Doing tai chi is one way to help the healing process. According to...

Dystonic Cerebral Palsy: Symptoms, Risks, and Management

Dystonic cerebral palsy is a type of CP primarily caused by damage to the developing basal ganglia. This part of the brain plays a significant role in initiating and controlling movement. Luckily, with the right management, individuals may be able to improve their motor functions and overall quality of life. To help you better understand what dystonic cerebral palsy is, this article will discuss its symptoms, risks, and management. Symptoms of Dystonic Cerebral Palsy Dystonic cerebral palsy refers to a type of dyskinetic cerebral palsy characterized by involuntary muscle contractions in the form of repetitive or twisting movements. Other common symptoms of dystonic cerebral palsy include: abnormal postures inward-facing of the feet outward...