 |
From the Editor: More Adult Cerebral Palsy Patients
By Miki Fairley Surprisingly, about 80 percent of persons with
cerebral palsy in the US are adults aged 21 or older,
according to Murray Goldstein, DO, MPH, medical director
for United Cerebral Palsy.
 There are about 550,000 persons in the US with
cerebral palsy; the number of new cases per year has increased 25
percent during the past decade; now there are about 9,750 new cases
each year, according to UCP. Approximately 70 percent of cerebral
palsy occurs before birth, about 20 percent during birth, and most
of the rest within the first two years of life.
Considering the marvelous development of brain cells and their
amazing journey to their final locations, it's amazing that so many
actually make the trip safely and most brains develop without
damage. In the first three to five weeks of life, a single layer of
cells on the inside of the tiny new brain prepare to reproduce
themselves until a hundred billion cells start migrating to their
ultimate destination, a journey equivalent to a person traveling on
foot from New York to Los Angeles, Goldstein explained, as noted in
this month's feature.
Although the picture that usually leaps to mind when one thinks
of cerebral palsy is a child in a wheelchair or braces, the large
number of adult cerebral palsy patients underscores the need for
continuing cerebral palsy management throughout adulthood, with all
its myriads of challenges to be met for quality of life. The
feature article, "Where Are They Now? Orthotic Care of Adult CP
Patients," by Judith Philipps Otto, takes an in-depth look at
this vital subject.
AACPDM Meets
Cerebral palsy is a major focus of the American Academy for
Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM), which is
holding its annual meeting this month, September 14-17, in Orlando,
Florida. The interdisciplinary group's educational program has as
its purpose, "to ensure that the qualified personnel have the
skills and knowledge derived from practices that have been
determined through research and experience to be successful in
serving children with disabilities. The purpose is also to
encourage team-building within organizations and institutions,
encourage multicenter studies, develop information for parents, and
fi nd a consensus on the optimal care of various conditions." Each
year AACPDM presents an outstanding program during its annual
meeting to help accomplish these objectives.
Teenagers Cope with Limb Loss
For many teens, things can get a bit tough as they grapple with
rapidly changing bodies, mood swings, peer pressure, and questions
about where they really want to go in life. Add limb loss to this
mix, and the pressure ratchets up. The article, "How To
Help Teenagers Cope with Limb Loss," based on a presentation by
ACA President/CEO Paddy Rossbach, RN, during the 2005 Academy
meeting, gives practical tips on aiding teens through these
difficult years.
As summer wanes, the leaves take on bright colors, the sky
becomes a deeper blue, and life somehow seems to take on a more
serious tone, we hope you will enjoy the information in this issue.
As always your comments and opinions are very welcome. 
Table Of Contents - September 2005
|
|
