New Delhi: Often parents think that the child will learn to sit, walk or speak on his own after a few months. It is true that the growth of every child is different, but if this delay persists then it is not right to leave it as just a normal delay. Sometimes there may be a neurological condition like cerebral palsy behind it.
Cerebral palsy is not a disease, but a condition in which the coordination between the brain and muscles gets impaired. This happens when the baby's brain does not get enough oxygen during pregnancy, at the time of birth or immediately after birth or due to some reason the development of the brain is hindered. This has a direct impact on the physical activities of the child.
What exactly is cerebral palsy?
Our brain controls every movement of the body. In cerebral palsy, the same part of the brain that controls muscle movement and body balance is affected. That is why one child may show completely different symptoms from another child. Some people stumble while walking, while others have difficulty holding things with their hands or speaking clearly.
It is very important to understand one thing here that cerebral palsy is not a condition that progresses with time, that is, brain injury does not increase, but as the child grows, new challenges may emerge in his daily activities.
What symptoms should one pay attention to?
Symptoms are not the same for every child, but some common signs are:
1. Muscle related signals: Feeling of excessive stiffness or complete looseness in the muscles. The child repeatedly leans on one side or is unable to maintain balance.
2. Developmental Delay: Persistent age-appropriate delay in sitting, crawling, standing, or walking.
3. Difficulty in eating and speaking: Stuckness while drinking milk, difficulty in chewing or swallowing food, speaking late or speech not being clear.
4. Other indications: Difficulty in seeing and hearing, inability to concentrate on one thing.
There is no need to panic if one or two of these symptoms appear, but you should definitely consult a doctor.
Is its complete treatment possible?
At present, there is no treatment in medical science that can completely eliminate cerebral palsy. But the good news is that timely detection and proper care can make a huge improvement in a child's life. In this situation, doctors recommend physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy as per the need of the child. In some cases, medicines are also given to reduce muscle stiffness.
The role of parents is most important
In this journey, as much as therapy is important, the patience of the parents is equally important. Providing daily exercise, encouraging your child's small victories, and letting him try on his own instead of relying on others is the biggest medicine for his self-confidence. If the child is showing persistent delay in development or is not able to sit, stand, walk or speak as per age, it is better to consult a doctor. Timely identification and proper care can help the child make better use of his abilities.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information. Please consult your doctor if any symptoms appear.