Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common neurological condition that affects several children and adults, but you will be surprised to know that only a handful of healthcare experts are trained in handling individuals diagnosed with the condition.
At Trishla Foundation, we dedicate ourselves to making lives for those with cerebral palsy positive and easier. As a parent of someone diagnosed with cerebral palsy, you might be concerned about the different factors that might be worsening your child’s cerebral palsy.
Don’t worry! You are at the right place; here, we will discuss
some common factors that impact cerebral palsy prognosis and the patient’s life expectancy. Note that limiting your
child’s exposure to these factors and following advanced treatment plans like
stem cell therapy or physical therapy can help their condition.
Average life expectancy of those diagnosed with cerebral palsy
The exact CP life expectancy depends on factors like the condition diagnosed with, mobility issues, vision problems, and hearing defects. It has been noticed that children diagnosed with mild CP have a life expectancy similar to other children.
Reputed doctors suggest that children with mild CP have a 99%
chance of surviving till 20 years,
whereas those with severe CP have a 40% chance.
Factors affecting cerebral palsy prognosis and life expectancy
Some common factors affecting cerebral palsy prognosis and life
expectancy are listed as follows: -
1.
Premature
ageing
Those diagnosed with CP have a higher chance of premature ageing
and they fatique very easier then others.
2.
Problems with
vision, speech, and hearing
Since individuals with CP have defective sensory abilities, they
need help from other people to live. This affects cerebral palsy prognosis and
reduces their overall life expectancy.
3.
Mobility
issues
Individuals diagnosed with cerebral palsy often face mobility
issues which confine them to wheelchairs and lead to the development of
pressure sores. As such mobility issues don’t interfere in survival but bed
sore and other medical issues arise because of recumbency. these infections can be life-threatening and
affect the life expectancy.
4.
Problems in
swallowing and eating
Since those with CP often face problems in swallowing and eating,
they might choke, get dehydrated, or face aspiration pneumonia. These
conditions greatly affect one’s health and lead to cerebral palsy prognosis and
lowering of life expectancy.
5.
Musculoskeletal
problems
Due to musculoskeletal problems like hip dysplasia, the quality of
one’s life is greatly reduced.
6.
Seizures
According to the CDC, 4 out of 10 children with CP suffer from
epilepsy, which can cause violent seizures. Note that these epileptic seizures
are often frequent and can lead to deterioration of general health if
uncontrolled then it can decrease the life expectancy. .
