Navigating Daily Life with Cerebral Palsy

By: Kathryn Blosser, PT, DPT, CBIS

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Cerebral Palsy, or CP, is caused by atypical development of the brain or an injury that occurs to the brain while it’s developing. The injury that causes CP does not worsen with age, but symptoms associated with components of CP, like spasticity, extensor tone, muscle weakness, decreased proprioception, or reduced endurance can vary with time and may feel like they worsen with age.

Adults living with CP may feel like they need their support level adjusted with walking and standing or wheelchair mobility as they age. Aging can change the volume of muscle mass in the body, which ultimately affects a person’s strength.

To manage symptoms like spasticity, maintaining muscle strength and range of motion is important. As adults age, they might need to explore different strategies for managing their muscle tone.

Managing Pain and Fatigue with Cerebral Palsy

The most common reason for pain in adults with CP is spasm frequency with the next leading cause relating to muscle tone.

Muscle tone management techniques can include:

Physician management techniques can include:

  • Medications, such as muscle relaxers
  • Injections, such as phenol or Botox
  • Surgical management, which can include a selective dorsal rhizotomy or a baclofen pump placement

There are many orthopedic conditions that are common co-morbidities for those with cerebral palsy that might cause pain:

  • Contractures: permanently reduced range of motion in a joint
  • Patella alta: high kneecaps, which can increase the risk of kneecap dislocations
  • Hip dysplasia: abnormal hip development
  • Spondylolysis: small fracture or crack in the bone of the spine, which can cause back pain
  • Cervical stenosis: narrowing of the joint spaces through which nerves pass
  • Osteoporosis: low bone mineral density, which can cause an increased risk of bone breaks

Strategies for Optimizing Independence for Adults with Cerebral Palsy

Improved independence may require the utilization of assistive devices, braces, or assistive technology to facilitate daily activities. It’s important to explore other options through case management, physician care, and community programs that can provide transportation assistance. Additionally, at-home care services can help promote independent living and enhance community integration.

Sheltering Arms Institute has licensed physical, occupational, and speech therapists that can assist in navigating the challenges and secondary complications of cerebral palsy. To learn more about the services we provide for individuals with cerebral palsy, click here or contact us online or call (804) 764-1000.

Resources:

Flanigan, Megan, et al. “Spasticity and pain in adults with cerebral palsy.” Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, vol. 62, 2020, pp. 379-385. DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14368.

“Learn More About Cerebral Palsy (CP).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31 Dec. 2020, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/index.html.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) affects many aspects of daily life, with symptoms that can evolve over time. Learn more about the challenges, management strategies, and potential interventions for adults living with CP.

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