About 15% to 20%
of physically disabled children suffer from this condition
New Delhi, 06
August 2017: One of the most common childhood motor disabilities, statistics
indicate that cerebral palsy affects about 15% to 20% of physically disabled
children. Its estimated incidence is around 3/1000 live births in India. Though
there is no cure for this condition, recent research speaks of the
possibilities that stem cell therapy can provide in treating the disorder.
Cerebral palsy is
a term used to cover certain neurological conditions affecting movement.
Children with this condition can find it hard to move certain parts of the body
and the condition can vary in severity. Due to the damage to certain parts of
the brain, both voluntary and involuntary movements can be affected.
Speaking about
this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical
Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN
Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “This
condition is not contagious and does not affect a child’s intelligence or
cognitive ability. It also does not become worse with age. Currently, research
is underway to show the effectiveness of stem cell therapy in this condition.
This involves two steps: one,taking the patient’s bone marrow and second,
injecting it back after it has been multiplied in the lab. The therapy sessions
begin after this process. Once the effectiveness of this therapy is
established, there could be an effort towards taking up 'autologous' stem cell
therapy. Studies have indicated that the progress is quick in children below
the age of 10 and this procedure can also cure muscular dystrophy and
autism.People with cerebral palsy have a normal lifespan and can lead a good
quality of life as well.”
Some common
symptoms of cerebral palsy include overdeveloped or underdeveloped muscles,
poor coordination and balance, involuntary movements, spastic paralysis,
crawling in an unusual way, lying down in awkward positions, favoring one side
of the body over the other, and limited range of movement.
Adding further,
Dr Aggarwal, said, “Though stem cell therapy is being spoken of, there is still
time to prove its effectiveness in the treatment of this condition. However,
other kinds of therapy can help children with this condition achieve their
maximum potential in growth and development. As soon as it is diagnosed, a
child can begin therapy for movement, and other areas that need help, such as
learning, speech, hearing, and social and emotional development.”
Some preventive
measures can help reduce the risk of cerebral palsy in children. A woman who is planning to become pregnant
should ensure that all her vaccinations are up-to-date. Additionally, it is
important to:
Attend all antenatal
appointments
Quit alcohol,
tobacco, and drugs
Indulge in
regular exercise
Eat healthy food
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