World Cerebral Palsy Day
Source: PIB
GS II: Human Resource; Health
Overview
- News in Brief
- About World Cerebral Palsy Day
- Cerebral Palsy
Why in the News?
World Cerebral Palsy Day is a global observance that shines a spotlight on cerebral palsy (CP) and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.
About World Cerebral Palsy Day
- Celebrated every year on October 6th, this day serves as a platform to raise awareness about CP, support those living with the condition, and advocate for greater inclusion and understanding.
- Children and adults affected by cerebral palsy often face challenges that hinder their full participation in society.
- The day sheds light on the need for increased awareness, understanding and support for those with cerebral palsy.
- The theme for World Cerebral Palsy Day in 2023 is “Together Stronger.”
- This theme highlights the importance of unity, collaboration, and mutual support within the cerebral palsy community and beyond.
- It emphasizes that when individuals, families, caregivers, and communities come together, they become a powerful force for positive change and inclusion.
- The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India is the nodal department to look after all the development agenda of Persons with Disabilities in the country.
- With the vision to create awareness about Cerebral Palsy among the masses, the Department is observing World Cerebral Palsy Day on 6th October 2023, through the institutions associated with it by conducting various events across the country.
Cerebral Palsy
- Cerebral palsy is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood.
- It is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.
- Cerebral palsy affects a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture.
- It is a lifelong condition, but the severity and symptoms can vary widely from one individual to another.
Key characteristics of cerebral palsy
- Impaired Movement
- People with cerebral palsy often have difficulty controlling their muscles.
- This can result in stiff muscles, weak muscles, or uncontrollable movements.
- Some individuals may have difficulty with fine motor skills, such as writing or buttoning a shirt, while others may have difficulty with gross motor skills, such as walking or running.
- Spasticity
- Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type and is characterized by stiff, tight muscles.
- This can make movement and walking difficult.
- Athetosis
- This type of cerebral palsy involves slow, involuntary writhing movements.
- It can affect the arms, hands, and legs and may make it challenging to maintain a stable posture.
- Ataxia
- Ataxic cerebral palsy affects balance and coordination.
- People with ataxia may have shaky movements and difficulties with tasks that require precise coordination.
- Mixed
- Some individuals may have a combination of these types, which can result in a range of motor difficulties.
Cerebral palsy can be caused by various factors, including
- Bain damage during fetal development
- Brain injury during childbirth
- Brain infections during early childhood.
- The exact cause may not always be clear.
Character and treatment
- It’s important to note that cerebral palsy is not a progressive condition, meaning it doesn’t worsen over time.
- However, the associated symptoms and challenges may change as a person grows and develops.
- Early intervention and therapy, including physical and occupational therapy, can help individuals with cerebral palsy improve their motor skills and overall quality of life.
- Treatment and management of cerebral palsy typically involve a multidisciplinary approach, including medical care, therapy, assistive devices, and, in some cases, surgery.
- The goal is to maximize an individual’s independence and quality of life.
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