Cerebral palsy is categorized as a type of neurological disorder that happens because of damage inflicted on the part of the brain that is responsible for controlling the body’s motor skills. And while cerebral palsy cannot be completely treated, there are therapies, specialized training and care in order for patients with cerebral palsy to be able to lead an almost normal life. More often than not, most children with cerebral palsy do not suffer mental difficulties and most of them are often highly intelligent and can even attend a regular school.

There are some cases whereas a child with cerebral palsy appears to lead a normal life in their later years, but this is not an easy task to achieve especially for those who cannot afford regular therapy all throughout. In order for this to become achievable, a cerebral palsy patient needs to undergo several stages of therapies and they must also get special attention especially from people around them.

But on the other hand, for a lot of people suffering from a severe form of cerebral palsy, performing self care activities and other basic living tasks can be very difficult. Self care activities like taking a bath, grooming, dressing, and even eating can be very difficult since most of the self care activities often rely on the use of the upper limbs. Impaired upper limb function can affect at least fifty percent of people with cerebral palsy and it is also considered as the major factor for the significant decrease and basic activities and participation. And since the hands are primarily used for performing most of the self care tasks, it is only reasonable for sensory and motor damage will affect even the most basic daily self care activity. The scope of the hand impairment is based on the position and level of the brain damage.

Most people with cerebral palsy can also experience acute sensory impairments and this can certainly make even the simplest task like getting dressed or brushing teeth independently rather a difficult task to perform. In addition to sensory impairments, motor impairments of the upper limbs are also associated for the difficulties experienced by cerebral palsy patients when it comes to performing daily self-care activities. It is worth noting that motor impairments are considered more important as opposed to sensory impairments because this can significantly impair the dexterity of the fingers or the ability to manipulate and control small things and other objects. Finger dexterity is very important so when people with cerebral palsy suffer from this, it would certainly be very difficult for them to fasten buttons, tie shoelaces, or doing up zippers.

Persons with cerebral palsy also face difficulties of living independently although this can be case to case basis depending on the severity of the condition. But on the other hand, most people suffering from cerebral palsy can almost expect to have a normal life expectancy. And with the help of various therapies and training, persons with cerebral palsy can develop their abilities to perform basic living activities.