Serious Complications Of Cerebral Palsy

Premature Aging

Premature aging may be seen in cerebral palsy patients as they approach their fourth decade of life. This is a condition where signs of aging emerge in an individual before they actually reach old age. The bodies of cerebral palsy patients go through excess stress and strain to complete day-to-day activities and tasks. These patients are known to burn up to five times as much energy as a healthy person does simply by walking and moving around.

Premature aging in patients with this condition can be confusing because some see it as a worsening of the disorder. However, premature aging due to a disorder is different from the progressive worsening of a condition. Premature aging is simply the result of the toll the patient's disability has taken on their body and mind over many years. Symptoms of premature aging in individuals with cerebral palsy include increased overall pain, frequent falls, increased susceptibility to adverse side effects of surgery and medication, stiff muscles, difficulty walking, and dental health issues.