How Cerebral Palsy Affects Lives into Adulthood

More and more adults are living with cerebral palsy because kids with cerebral palsy are surviving and growing up. These adults still need medical care to watch over their health and manage their condition. As they get older, they can have other health problems like muscle and bone issues, trouble swallowing, and difficulties in social situations. Many of them don’t get the right medical care they need.

To help adults with cerebral palsy, we have to understand their healthcare needs better and create medical services just for them. We should also actively work to provide pregnant mothers with the correct care that they need when seeking medical help for their pregnancy. This way, we can avoid the condition entirely.

What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of lifelong neurological disorders that affect muscle control, movement, and coordination. It is caused by damage or abnormalities in the developing brain, typically occurring before or shortly after birth. CP can manifest in various ways and can range from mild to severe, affecting individuals differently. Common symptoms include muscle stiffness, weakness, spasticity, and difficulties with balance and coordination. While CP is a permanent condition, therapy, assistive devices, and medical interventions can help individuals with CP improve their quality of life and independence. The condition does not worsen over time, but its effects may change as individuals grow and develop.

Conditions caused by CP in adulthood

CP is a condition all on its own, but when you suffer from it, it can also lead to the development of other debilitating and challenging conditions. Some of these conditions include:

Osteoporosis and arthritis

As adults with CP get older, they face an increased risk of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The older they are, the higher the risk. Some adults with CP also have low bone density and are more prone to fractures.

 

Adults with CP are more likely to have low levels of vitamin D because of factors like medication use and less time spent outdoors. This can lead to problems with their bones, including a condition called osteopenia, where bones become weak. Studies have found that many adults with CP have insufficient or deficient vitamin D levels, especially if they have abdominal obesity. This can put them at risk for osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones brittle and more likely to break.

Sarcopenia

Children and teenagers with CP might need treatments like botulinum toxin injections or surgeries to help with muscle problems while they grow. But as they become adults, building muscle can be tough because they often start with less muscle mass.

Cervical myelopathy

In adults with CP, problems in the neck can lead to a condition called cervical myelopathy. This happens when the cervical spine starts to wear down too early because of unusual movements, especially in those with dyskinetic CP. Surgery is sometimes done to help with the weakness and tingling that can come with this condition, but the results might not be as good as hoped because the neck keeps moving even after surgery.

Dysphagia

Children with CP often have trouble swallowing, and this can continue into adulthood. Even if they eat the same way as when they were kids, their ability to swallow can get worse over time. A study found that adults with CP can start having trouble swallowing as early as 30 years old. This can lead to issues like dehydration and malnutrition, which can lead to other serious health problems.

Isolation and loneliness

Isolation isn’t a medical condition the way dysphagia or osteoporosis are, but scientists are starting to rethink loneliness as a chronic condition – and the health risks are well-documented. Social interactions and relationships can be complex for adults with CP. They may face social isolation, loneliness, and difficulties in forming connections due to physical limitations and communication barriers. If their primary caretakers are parents, this risk increases as they and their parents age.

What are the long-term challenges of CP in adulthood?

CP is a challenging condition that does not have to ruin someone’s life, but it does present significant hurdles for those who suffer from it. Even if you do not end up suffering from another condition due to CP, the difficulties you face due to CP alone are enough.

The challenges of dealing with CP day-to-day include:

• Physical challenges. CP can result in persistent physical challenges, including muscle stiffness, weakness, and coordination difficulties. As individuals with CP age, these physical limitations can become more pronounced, impacting their ability to perform daily tasks.
• Mobility and independence. Many adults with CP rely on mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers, or braces to assist with their movement. These devices can facilitate independence, but they also come with challenges, including accessibility issues and the need for ongoing maintenance.
• Pain and fatigue. CP can cause chronic pain due to muscle overuse and joint stress. This pain can intensify with age and lead to fatigue, making daily activities more exhausting.
• Medical care deeds. Adults with CP may require ongoing medical care, including visits to specialists, physical therapy, and assistive devices, which can impose financial and logistical burdens.
• Communication challenges. Some individuals with CP may experience speech and communication difficulties. As they age, these challenges may persist, affecting their ability to express themselves and engage in social interactions.
• Employment and education. Finding suitable employment and educational opportunities can be challenging for adults with CP. Discrimination and lack of accessibility in workplaces and educational institutions can hinder their career and personal development.

Managing the costs associated with CP, including medical bills, assistive devices, and accessibility modifications, can be a lifelong financial challenge. If you believe your child has CP due to the actions or negligence of a medical professional, you should know the upcoming costs you (and your child) will have to face.

Once you’re ready, it is a good idea to get in contact with an experienced and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney. At Merkel & Cocke, our experienced Mississippi birth injury lawyers are committed to offering strong, foolproof legal representation to ensure our clients receive the highest compensation possible. To schedule a free consultation with a Mississippi medical malpractice attorney, call us or fill out our contact page. You will be handled with compassion and dedication as you become our number one priority. We have offices in Jackson, Clarksdale, Greenville, and Oxford for your convenience.