What is infantile cerebral palsy (ICP or CP)?
Infantile cerebral palsy is a permanent, non-progressive disorder of movement and posture control caused by damage to the brain in the early developmental phase - usually before, during or shortly after birth.
Typical characteristics are muscle stiffness (spasticity) or uncontrolled movements, delayed motor development and difficulties in sitting, standing or walking. Concomitant conditions such as epilepsy, visual or hearing impairments as well as speech and learning difficulties often occur.
Aids that are often used for infantile cerebral palsy (ICP or CP):
Aids and support for everyday life
As ICP is very individual, the provision of tailored aids is the key to greater independence:
- Mobility: Depending on the severity, rehab buggies, active wheelchairs or power wheelchairs provide support. Specialized walking aids (e.g. backward walkers) are important for children with residual mobility in order to train their gait.
- Seating and positioning aids: Individually adapted therapy chairs or seat shells ensure a stable posture. This is the basic prerequisite for being able to use the hands freely for playing or eating.
- Standing trainers: Regular standing promotes hip development, strengthens the bones and improves digestion and breathing.
- Orthopaedic technology:Orthoses (leg braces) or dynamic foot orthoses stabilize the joints and prevent tendon shortening.
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): If speaking is difficult, talkers or tablets with eye control enable active communication.
Learn more
You can find more helpful information about infantile cerebral palsy (ICP or CP) here:
www.vereinigung-cerebral.ch