What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects movement and muscle control of the brain and is usually caused by brain damage that occurs before, during, or within the first few years after birth. Cerebral palsy limits the abilities of affected individuals such as movement, balance and muscle coordination and is a lifelong condition. In this article we wrote for you, we will try to give you information about when cerebral palsy occurs, its causes and symptoms.

At What Age Does Cerebral Palsy Occur?

Cerebral palsy is a condition that usually occurs before, during, or within the first few years after birth. Most children diagnosed with cerebral palsy begin to show symptoms within the first two years after birth. However, in some cases, symptoms of cerebral palsy may appear earlier or be diagnosed later. The severity and effects of cerebral palsy can vary greatly among affected individuals.

What Are The Causes of Cerebral Palsy?

The main cause of cerebral palsy is the damage that occurs in the development process of the brain. This damage can be attributed to a number of factors and is usually caused by one or more of the following;

• A mother’s infection during pregnancy can affect the baby’s brain development and lead to cerebral palsy.
• Any problems with the baby’s oxygen intake during birth can damage brain cells and cause cerebral palsy.
• Babies born prematurely are at higher risk for brain damage and cerebral palsy.
• Babies with low birth weight are at higher risk of developing cerebral palsy.
• Certain genetic disorders can increase the risk of brain damage and cerebral palsy.

What Are The Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy symptoms can vary greatly among affected individuals and vary in severity. Cerebral palsy symptoms may include:

• Muscle tone abnormalities,
• Movement and coordination difficulties,
• Developmental delays,
• Speech and language difficulties,
• Swallowing and feeding difficulties,
• Epilepsy and seizures,

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition and can affect the quality of life of affected individuals. However, with appropriate treatment and support, individuals with cerebral palsy can achieve considerable independence and success in their lives.

What are the Types of Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is divided into several types, and each type is characterized by different symptoms and effects. Types of cerebral palsy are as follows;

Spastic Cerebral Palsy; It is the most common type of cerebral palsy and affects approximately 80% of patients. This type causes the muscles to be constantly stiff and tight. Spastic cerebral palsy is divided into subtypes according to the affected body areas;

• Spastic Hemiplegia,
• Spastik Diplegi,
• Spastik Quadripleji,

Spastic Bottom, Spastic Quadriplegia, Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy; This type is characterized by constant changes in muscle tone, resulting in involuntary movements. Dyskinetic cerebral palsy is divided into subtypes;

• Athetoid Cerebral Palsy,
• Dystonic Cerebral Palsy,

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy; This type is characterized by balance and coordination problems. Patients with ataxic cerebral palsy experience tremors and difficulty walking and moving.

Mixed Cerebral Palsy; When more than one type affects it, it is called mixed cerebral palsy. It is usually seen as a combination of spastic and dyskinetic types.

How Is Cerebral Palsy Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of cerebral palsy is made as a result of observations and evaluations on the development and mobility of the child. The following steps are followed in the diagnosis process;

• Doctors evaluate the risk factors that can lead to cerebral palsy by examining the medical history of the mother and child.
• A comprehensive physical examination is performed that evaluates the child’s movement, muscle tone, and reflexes.
• A neurological examination of the child is performed to assess brain functions and neurological health.
• Imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) may be done to see brain damage and structural abnormalities.
• Where necessary, doctors try to better understand the child’s condition by performing additional tests and evaluations.

How Is Cerebral Palsy Treatment?

Cerebral palsy cannot be cured completely because it is a permanent condition, but with various treatment methods, symptoms can be alleviated and quality of life can be improved. The following methods are used in the treatment of cerebral palsy;

• With Physical Therapy, exercises and therapies are applied to increase muscle strength, flexibility and mobility.
• With Functional Therapy, therapies aimed at improving daily life skills are applied.
• Speech and Language Therapy and therapies aimed at eliminating speech and swallowing problems are applied.
• Medications may be prescribed to reduce muscle spasms and pain.
• Supportive devices and prostheses can help increase mobility and make walking easier.
• In severe cases, surgical interventions may be required to restore muscle and bone structures.

Cerebral palsy treatment is customized according to the needs and condition of each patient and is carried out with a multidisciplinary approach. The aim of the treatment is to improve the patient’s quality of life and to increase the level of independence.

Cerebral Palsy Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has succeeded in making its name known to the world with its investments and Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. Regarding Cerebral Palsy Treatment Prices in Turkey, we can see that patients and their relatives who want to come to Turkey are doing research. However, it would not be correct to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.