Health Law

Did You Know?

Cerebral palsy is one of the most common developmental disabilities diagnosed each year in the United States, yet there are a number of misconceptions about the condition. Below are some interesting facts regarding what cerebral palsy is, what causes it and its costs, among other things…

There are currently close to a million children and adults living with cerebral palsy in the United States.
 

Cerebral palsy is not a disease, nor is it a single disorder. The term cerebral palsy actually refers to a group of disorders that affect movement.
 

Three-quarters of people who are affected by cerebral palsy also have one or more additional disabilities such as autism, mental retardation, epilepsy and severe visual impairment.
 

The causes of cerebral palsy are largely unknown, but risk factors include low birth weight and premature birth. A small percentage of cerebral palsy cases are caused by lack of oxygen during birth, which is often preventable.
 

Research seems to suggest that the rates of cerebral palsy in the U.S. are increasing. Statistically, cerebral palsy was once estimated to affect 1 to 2 in 1,000 babies annually – the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now estimates cerebral palsy to affect about 3 in 1,000.
 

A person with cerebral palsy will spend over $1.5 million more than the average U.S. citizen over the course of his/her lifetime because of medical costs, prescriptions, special equipment and other such necessaries.
 

There is currently no cure for cerebral palsy, but various treatments and assistive technologies can improve the daily lives of those affected by the condition.



 

Full post as published by Cerebral Palsy Law Blog on March 04, 2009 (boomark / email).