Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is a term that refers to a set of neurological conditions that affect a child’s movement and co-ordination. It’s surprisingly common − around one in every 400 children in the UK is affected by the condition.
Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain, which usually occurs before birth, but can happen during or soon after birth. The known causes of cerebral palsy include infection in early pregnancy, a difficult or premature birth, bleeding in the baby’s brain and abnormal brain development. The symptoms of cerebral palsy vary greatly between each child and depends on the type of cerebral palsy the child has and how severe it is.
The symptoms normally become apparent during the first three years of the child’s life. They may be slower in achieving important developmental goals, such as learning to crawl, walk or speak. Children with cerebral palsy also tend to have problems with their muscles and lack the ability to contract or relax muscles, something which is normally done subconsciously.
How we’re helping
Sparks is supporting research at Manchester Metropolitan University on a new therapy to improve the arm movements of children affected by cerebral palsy.
Sparks is also funding the development of a diagnostic tool to help doctors identify, treat and prevent respiratory disease in children with cerebral palsy at the Institute of Child Health, Liverpool and Newcastle University.
Our research projects in this area
Investigating respiratory disease in children with cerebral palsy
Sparks is funding a project to develop a diagnostic tool to help doctors treat and prevent respiratory disease in children with cerebral palsy
Using mirror therapy to improve arm movements
If successful, this therapy will be a cost-effective treatment, which could significantly improve a child’s mobility and self esteem
Functional gaze control in young children with severe cerebral palsy
In this Sparks-funded project researchers will attempt to improve interaction and communication with children with severe cerebral palsy
Improving quality of life for children with neurological disabilities
This project aims to improve quality of life for neurologically impaired children who experience significant feeding-related health problems
Improving brain growth and reducing neurodisabilities in children with cerebral palsy
Improving growth and brain development of children with cerebral palsy
Validation of a new hand and upper limb assessment tool for children
Validating a new tool to assess and monitor hand and upper limb movement in children
Can children with cerebral palsy use and enjoy adapted running-bikes?
Investigating the use of ‘Petra running bikes’ as a feasible and enjoyable mode of weight-bearing exercise for severely disabled children with cerebral
Improving movement for children with cerebral palsy
Dr Frederik Deconinck is currently investigating how a mirror box can help cerebral palsy
Aspiration in children with cerebral palsy
Dr Paul McNamara is leading a Sparks project to develop a test for aspiration in children with cerebral palsy.
Developing a test for aspiration
Dr Ruth Trinick is researching respiratory issues in children with cerebral palsy
