Raising Awareness on World Cerebral Palsy Day
Kolkata – In honor of World Cerebral Palsy Day, we are emphasizing the importance of awareness, prevention, and support for individuals living with cerebral palsy (CP), a condition affecting millions globally. With a focus on early intervention and new treatments, our aim is to educate the public about the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures surrounding this lifelong condition.
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders affecting movement, balance, and posture, caused by damage to the developing brain, often before birth or during infancy. The symptoms of CP vary, ranging from muscle stiffness and lack of coordination to delays in reaching developmental milestones such as walking and speaking. Common signs include spasticity, difficulty with motor skills, speech or swallowing challenges, involuntary movements, and sometimes seizures. Early diagnosis is critical for accessing therapies that improve quality of life.
Dr. Arindam Das, Consultant Neurologist at Narayana Hospital, Howrah, emphasized the importance of individualized care for children with cerebral palsy. “Each child with cerebral palsy is unique, and our approach must be tailored to their specific needs. This disease is not completely curable. Early intervention is crucial in helping manage symptoms and improving long-term outcomes. With advances in medical science, including better therapies and treatments, we are seeing more promising results than ever before. Our goal is to provide the best possible care and support for these children,” said Dr. Das.
While CP cannot always be prevented, certain precautions can reduce the risk. These include ensuring good maternal care during pregnancy, managing infections, avoiding exposure to toxins, and monitoring for complications like preterm birth. Vaccination against infections such as rubella is crucial, as is preventing injuries through safe practices for infants. Early intervention can also help manage CP more effectively.
Ongoing research into emerging therapies like stem cell treatments, robotics-assisted therapy, and advanced surgical techniques offers hope for improving outcomes. On this World Cerebral Palsy Day, we encourage the community to stay informed and support families affected by CP. Accessible resources such as therapy and support groups play a crucial role in helping children and families live fuller lives.
