What are the top misconceptions about cerebral palsy?

By Rasansky McKenzie

Cerebral palsy (CP) is widely misunderstood. While it is one of the most common childhood motor disabilities, myths and misinformation often prevent families from getting accurate answers. Here are the most common misconceptions:

1. Myth: Cerebral palsy always gets worse with age.
   Fact: CP is a non-progressive condition, meaning the brain injury does not worsen over time. However, symptoms may change as a child grows, and secondary issues (like muscle tightness or joint pain) can develop without therapy.
2. Myth: Cerebral palsy only affects movement.
   Fact: CP can affect muscle control, balance, and coordination, but some children also experience speech difficulties, vision or hearing impairments, seizures, or cognitive challenges.
3. Myth: People with cerebral palsy cannot live independently.
   Fact: Many individuals with CP live independently, attend school, pursue careers, and have families, especially with early intervention and access to adaptive support.
4. Myth: Cerebral palsy always results from medical negligence.
   Fact: While CP can be linked to preventable medical errors during labor or delivery, it may also result from premature birth, infections, or other unpreventable factors.
5. Myth: There is no treatment for cerebral palsy.
   Fact: While CP cannot be cured, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, surgery, medication, and assistive devices can significantly improve quality of life and independence.

Understanding these facts helps families set realistic expectations and pursue the proper medical and legal resources if negligence may have been a factor.

Need more information? Call the Dallas birth injury lawyers at Rasansky | McKenzie Law for a free consultation at (214) 367-6793.

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