Serious Complications Of Cerebral Palsy

Osteopenia

Individuals with cerebral palsy often deal with osteopenia as a complication of their condition. Osteopenia is a condition in which individuals have low bone density. This complication puts individuals at a higher risk of experiencing fractures, since their bones are weaker. Cerebral palsy has osteopenia as a complication for several reasons. One of them is deficiencies in nutrients, and another is a lack of mobility. Nutrients, particularly calcium, are essential for bone strength.

Lacking in them, therefore, reduces the strength of an individual's bones. Staying mobile is another method of increasing bone strength, so it stands to reason that a lack of mobility, which is common in cerebral palsy, can trigger osteopenia. Finally, patients with cerebral palsy often take anti-epileptic medication, which can also increase the risk of osteopenia as a complication.