Question
QUESTION: Would you please explain to me: what cerebral palsy is?

Thanks
C Barwick

ANSWER: Hi Cameron an thanks for writing,

Cerebral palsy is a term that describes a group of disorders that affect movement control. There is not one specific cause of cerebral palsy, however, it can be caused by injury to the brain before, during, or after birth. [www.cerebralpalsyhelp.com]

I hope this helps, please write again anytime.

Margot

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QUESTION: Would you please explain to me: why whenever I do some writing, my hand
gets tired a little way in the writing?

(P.S   Just to let you know, I have cerebral palsy)

Thanks
C Barwick
ANSWER: Hi again,

The medical definition of cerebral palsy is a "non-progressive" but not unchanging disorder of movement and/or posture, due to an insult to or anomaly of the developing brain.

This damage interferes with messages from the brain to the body, and from the body to the brain. The effects of cerebral palsy vary widely from individual to individual. At its mildest, cerebral palsy may result in a slight awkwardness of movement or hand control.

Cerebral palsy is not a progressive condition - damage to the brain is a one-time event so it will not get worse - and people with cerebral palsy have a normal life-span. Although the condition is not progressive, the effects of CP may change over time. Some may improve: for example, a child whose hands are affected may be able to gain enough hand control to write and to dress him/herself. Others may get worse: tight muscles can cause problems in the hips and spine of growing children which require orthopaedic surgery; the aging process can be harder on bodies with abnormal posture or which have had little exercise.

from: www.ofcp.on.ca

I hope this helps, all my best,

Margot

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QUESTION: Would you please tell me if it's true that people with disabilityes have a acute
sence of smell, tast and hearing?

Thanks
C Barwick
ANSWER: I know that people with one sense that is weaker or non-existent (ie: blind or deaf) do develop their other senses more than the average person, and I know some people with brain injuries or disorders can have a sense that is more sensitive, but I have not heard of it as a general rule about disabled people.

All my best,

Margot

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QUESTION: Would you please explain to me: why do people with cerebral palsy (like me)
loose their balance sometime?

Thanks
C Barwick

Answer
Hi again,

Cerebral palsy affects the central nervous system and changes the tone of muscles. It takes mild, moderate and severe forms and generally does not get progressively worse. Symptoms vary and may include:


Tight muscles (increased tone), causing spasms and rigidity.

Loose muscles (low tone), making limbs weak and floppy.

Impaired reflexes, coordination and balance.

from: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/fact/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=318&topcategory

Hope this helps,

Margot