Cerebral palsy Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, June 2009.
Answers to questions about cerebral palsy
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Will I need to pay for support for my child?
- Will my child need a wheelchair?
- How much will cerebral palsy symptoms change throughout life?
Will I need to pay for support for my child?
It depends on what support you need.
Explanation
In general any medical support will be given under the NHS in the UK. However, if you wish to have private or complementary therapy then you may need to pay for this. Your child may be entitled to a community care assessment to assess his/her needs and the needs of the family/carers. If services such as equipment, help in the home and respite care are identified as part of this assessment, these will be provided by social services. However, this is quite a complex area - talk to your GP, occupational therapist or a charity such as Scope for more advice.
Further information
- Scope
0808 800 3333
www.scope.org.uk
Sources
- Health and support. Directgov. www.direct.gov.uk, accessed 13 March 2008
Will my child need a wheelchair?
Not in all cases.
Explanation
Just because a child has cerebral palsy, it doesn't mean he/she will need a wheelchair. A child or individual with cerebral palsy needs to be assessed by an occupational therapist regarding wheelchairs. If the occupational therapist decides that a wheelchair is needed, they will recommend a model that suits the individual needs of that person. This will then be provided through health or social services. However, it's quite common that you may be asked to pay something towards the chair. Some charities may be able to help with the cost of this.
Further information
- Scope
0808 800 3333
www.scope.org.uk
Sources
- Health and support. Directgov. www.direct.gov.uk, accessed 13 March 2008
How much will cerebral palsy symptoms change throughout life?
It's very hard to predict this.
Explanation
Cerebral palsy is specific to the individual, so everyone will be different. It's difficult to say how individual aspects of cerebral palsy will change in a person's life. Although people with cerebral palsy age in the same way as people without the condition, a lifetime of physical disability may cause certain problems like joint pain or other problems to develop at younger ages.
Further information
- Scope
0808 800 3333
www.scope.org.uk
Sources
- An introduction to cerebral palsy. SCOPE. www.scope.org.uk, accessed 26 October 2007
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: June 2009
Rate this page
