The Alex Scoop: An Inspiring Journey with Cerebral Palsy in Calgary

Living with Cerebral Palsy in Calgary: My Journey Through Causes, Types, and Innovations in Treatment

As someone living with Cerebral Palsy (CP) in Calgary, I know firsthand that it’s a common motor disability starting in childhood. It’s a group of neurological disorders that first appeared during my infancy, affecting my body movement, muscle coordination, and balance. Here’s what I’ve learned about the causes, types, and exciting treatments for cerebral palsy.

What Caused My Cerebral Palsy?

The cause of CP isn’t always clear-cut, but in many cases, like mine, it results from brain damage occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. Being born prematurely, or experiencing infections during pregnancy, or a lack of oxygen to the brain during birth, can all contribute to CP. Twins, triplets, and other multiple births have a higher risk for CP. I’m a triplet so I had lack of oxygen before I was born.

The Many Faces of Cerebral Palsy

CP is a term that includes several types – each one unique, with different symptoms and care needs. Here are the types I’ve learned about during my journey:

Spastic Cerebral Palsy: This is the most common type, leading to stiff and exaggerated muscle movements.

Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: It causes uncontrolled, writhing movements of the hands, feet, arms, or legs.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy: A less common type that affects balance and depth perception, leading to unsteady movements.

Mixed Cerebral Palsy: This type is a combination of the above, with symptoms that can vary widely.

Exciting New Treatments for Cerebral Palsy

Living with CP means finding ways to enhance quality of life, independence, and manage my symptoms. Luckily, there are innovative treatments emerging:

Robot-Assisted Therapy: Robotic devices can help improve motor skills and mobility.

Virtual Reality Therapy: This provides a safe environment to practice and improve motor skills.

Living with Cerebral Palsy can be complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. But with the advancements in technology and medicine, I’m optimistic about improved treatments and a better quality of life for individuals like me.