World Cerebral Palsy Day

Cerebral palsy is a physical disability that affects movement and posture. It is the most common physical disability in childhood, and it afflicts 17 million people worldwide. While often mistaken for a single illness Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders according to The Mayo Clinic, that affect movement, muscle tone and/or posture. It is believed to be caused by damage occurring to the immature, developing brain, typically before birth.

The initial signs and symptoms of cerebral palsy manifest during infancy and in preschool years. Generally, it causes impaired movement associated with exaggerate reflexes, “floppiness” or “spasticity” of the limbs and abdomen, odd posture, involuntary motion, poor (if any) gait or a combination of symptoms.

MOTOR TYPES

Spastic: 80-90% – Most common form. Muscles appear stiff and tight. Arises from Motor Cortex damage.

Dyskinetic: 6% – Characterized by involuntary movements such as dystonia, athetosis and/or chorea. Arises from damage to the Basal Ganglia.

Ataxic: 5% – Characterized by shaky movements. Affects balance and sense of positioning in space. Arises from Cerebellum damage.

PARTS OF THE BODY

SPASTIC QUADRIPLEGIA/ BILATERAL – Both arms and legs are affected. The muscles of the trunk, face and mouth are often also affected.

SPASTIC DIPLEGIA/ BILATERAL – Both legs are affected. The arms may be affected to a lesser extent.

SPASTIC HEMIPLEGIA/ UNILATERAL – One side of the body (one arm and one leg) is affected.

GROSS MOTOR SKILLS

The gross motor skills (e.g. sitting and walking) of children and young people with cerebral palsy can be categorized into 5 different levels using a tool called the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) developed by CanChild in Canada.

MANUAL ABILITY

At least two thirds of children with cerebral palsy will have movement difficulties affecting one or both arms. Almost every daily activity can be impacted.

ASSOCIATED IMPAIRMENTS

• 1 in 3 is unable to walk
• 1 in 4 is unable to talk
• 3 in 4 experience pain
• 1 in 4 has epilepsy
• 1 in 4 has a behavior disorder
• 1 in 2 has an intellectual impairment
• 1 in 10 has a severe vision impairment
• 1 in 4 has bladder control problems
• 1 in 5 has a sleep disorder
• 1 in 5 has saliva control problems

According to WorldCPDay.org,

“World Cerebral Palsy Day is a movement of people with Cerebral Palsy and their families, and the organizations that support them, in more than 75 countries. Our vision is to ensure that children and adults with Cerebral Palsy (CP) have the same rights, access and opportunities as anyone else in our society. It is only together, that we can make that happen.”

Cerebral Palsy is heartbreaking and the families who must cope with it are forever changed by it. Awareness and research into the causes, possible treatments or even potential cures is absolutely crucial. In the world after the COVID19 pandemic and associated panic, it’s so easy to cast aside other illnesses that have been with us for much longer. It’s difficult to try and bring attention to Cerebral Palsy or Heart disease, the many types of Cancer, Lupus, and other terrible afflictions. But we cannot, we must not forget the people, the families and most especially the children who have to contend with them every day.

Just because the world went into a panic, lockdowns and restrictions, it doesn’t mean that the other illnesses and struggles went away, rather the fact that our attention and resources are so stretched is disastrous for those causes and people who depend on us. That’s why at Apotheca, Inc. we’ve taken this opportunity to recognize and remember World Cerebral Palsy Day and we hope that you’ll join us in remembering it too.

“Cerebral Palsy is one of the most common childhood disabilities which hinders their ability to move and maintain balance and posture. Those with Cerebral Palsy also suffer from one or more related conditions such as seizures, as well as vision, hearing, or speech issues. ⁠⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Did you know there are around 17 million people across the world living with cerebral palsy? ⁠⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
World Cerebral Palsy Day is observed annually on Oct. 6 all around the world to raise awareness about the motor disability. ⁠⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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These children need a cure. Please share and make your followers aware of this disability.”

Apotheca Wholesale Pharmaceuticals is well equipped and ideally suited to help your business wade through the uncertain changes that 2021 will bring. We have all of the qualities you’re looking for in a Pharmaceutical distributor and we’re in this together.

Contact us today at Customerservice@apothecainc.com or call us at 602-252-5244.