Cerebral palsy is a non-progressive neurological disorder that is not life-threatening on its own. However, the severity of the condition and any associated medical problems can affect life expectancy. The average life expectancy in the United States is 78.8 years, and most people with mild cases of cerebral palsy can expect to live to a similar age. But those with more severe cases may have a shorter life expectancy than the general population.
Glutamate decarboxylase-1 is one of the possible enzymes responsible for genetically inherited CP. The severity of cerebral palsy is generally classified as mild or severe, depending on the extent of the brain damage and concurrent conditions present. Athetoid cerebral palsy (also known as dyskinetic or dystonic cerebral palsy) can vary in severity and affect life expectancy. In particular, eight factors are identified as areas of concern that have the capacity to shorten life expectancy in cases of cerebral palsy.
Seizures originate in the brain, but they are not the result of the same brain injury that caused cerebral palsy. People with mild cerebral palsy have a life expectancy similar to that of people who don't have it. However, any serious associated disorder must be treated satisfactorily. The risk of death will also be considered, taking into account the average number of years a person with cerebral palsy is expected to live and specific types of disabilities.
These conditions can cause significant problems with mobility and growth, leading to a decrease in life expectancy with cerebral palsy. Spastic cerebral palsy can also have intellectual disabilities, which can also affect life expectancy depending on the severity. And while it's permanent, there are many ways to help improve the quality of life for people with cerebral palsy. Knowing the main factors that can affect the lives of children with cerebral palsy will help you better understand the disorder, as well as what should be done to help your child live as long as possible.
