Serious Complications Of Cerebral Palsy

Depression And Anxiety

Unfortunately, many patients with this disorder will struggle with their mental health. Depression and anxiety are especially common complications. This condition can result in social isolation, which is a major risk factor for depression. In addition, dealing with a disability like cerebral palsy is also mentally and physically challenging, which heightens mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

Individuals with cerebral palsy who are dealing with depression or anxiety need to manage them. Good options include medication and mindfulness. Therapy is also incredibly common. Cerebral palsy support groups can be helpful for individuals experiencing depression and anxiety due to their condition as well.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis, a sideways curve to the spine, can also appear as a complication of cerebral palsy. This is because these patients can deal with muscle tone issues, including high or low muscle tone. It is low muscle tone in the core that can make it challenging for affected children to remain balanced and sit upright. When this happens, children often lean to one side regularly, which can cause scoliosis to develop. In addition, high muscle tone may also result in children with cerebral palsy holding abnormal postures. Unfortunately, this can trigger scoliosis when the body becomes used to a consistently abnormal posture.