Cerebral Palsy: Understanding the perceived challenges and the Inheritance pattern
Aayushi Walia1 , Ginjinder Kaur2* and Sukhman Kaur3
1-3Department of Human Genetics, Punjabi University, Patiala - 147002 (India) 1 aayushiwalia09@gmail.com 2ginjinder_hg@pbi.ac.in , 3 sukhman_rs21@pbi.ac.in *Corresponding Author: Dr. Ginjinder Kaur, Assistant Professor, Department of Human Genetics, Punjabi University, Patiala - 147002 (India) e-mail address- ginjinder_hg@pbi.ac.in
ABSTRACT
Cerebral Palsy is a neurological condition caused by defect in development and functioning of brain. It affects the muscle movement or coordination of muscles of the affected individuals. The current study aims to find if there is an inheritance pattern followed, issues (physical, behavioural and communication) faced by those affected and challenges faced by the parents of children with CP. The case study included subjects who had been diagnosed with CP and were studying at Navjivini Institute of Special Education Patiala (Punjab). There was no inheritance pattern followed by the condition in the present study. Three out of six cases (50%) had episodes of epileptic seizures. Also, in 50% of the cases, the mothers faced problems in pregnancy which lead to CP in children. The parents of affected children faced difficulties in taking care of their children. Though no associations were found in the family but there is need for intensive training for the parents and caregivers so that they can take proper care of the child. There is a need for doctors to have good knowledge of signs of CP to prevent misdiagnosis.