Cerebral Palsy - Living with the Disability

Living with Cerebral Palsy - A Lifetime of Abilities

One of the most important issues with respect to living with cerebral palsy is the avoidance of what is called a secondary disability as a result of a 'disuse syndrome'. See Preventing Secondary Conditions Associated with 
Spina Bifida or Cerebral Palsy Symposium 

As stated in that article by Michael Marge:

These behaviors are recommended not only to help prevent primary disabilities but also to reduce the risk for acquiring secondary conditions. Let me enumerate these practices.

• Improve diet and nutrition.
• Reduce or eliminate tobacco use.
• Eliminate alcohol and drug abuse.
• Institute weight control.
• Engage in a recommended program of physical exercise and activity prescribed by a team of specialists knowledgeable about spina bifida and cerebral palsy.
• Have easy access to primary care services
  • that include screening for blood pressure problems, cancer, urinary incontinence, gastrointestinal conditions, and problems with vision, hearing, or cognitive functions;
  • that monitor neurological status and immunizations;
  • and that provide medical care for illness, disease, and injury, as well as appropriate counseling for preventive care, especially for depression and for medication use.
• Receive strong social support through various sources: family, friends, support groups.
• Practice injury prevention on the road, the recreational field, and at home.
• Control environmental hazards, including noise, pollution, food and water contamination, and pestilence.
• Achieve and maintain a living income through work or through governmental support that allows a person a reasonable degree of quality of life.
• Practice sound stress management.
• Have a good night's sleep.

Click here to continue on with the Marge article recommendations for a living with Cerebral Palsy on our Cerebral Palsy Help Page.

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