6 October: World Cerebral Palsy Day
One in 500 infants is born with Cerebral Palsy – one of the most common physical disabilities. On World Cerebral Palsy Day (6 October), we would like to draw attention to this movement disorder and the everyday challenges it presents.
What is cerebral palsy?
Infantile cerebral palsy or cerebral palsy (from Latin cerebrum “brain” and Greek paresis “paralysis”) is a movement disorder caused by brain damage in early childhood. The resulting disability is characterised by disorders of the nervous system and the musculature in the area of voluntary motor activity. Depending on the progression of their disability, affected persons need various aids in order to shape their everyday life more freely and self-determinedly – from gait trainers such as our “malte.“ to standing trainers such as our “till.“ to the „madita-fun.“ therapy chairs.
Most common are spastic mixed forms and muscle hypertonia, i.e. above-average muscle tension. Athetotic or ataxic forms also occur. 17 million people are affected and over 350 million people care for these people every day.
When is World Cerebral Palsy Day?
6 October 2023 marks the eleventh anniversary of the day since it was successfully launched by the World Cerebral Palsy Day organisation in Australia. Cerebral Palsy Day has the identifying colour: G R E E N. The aim of the day is to draw attention to people with cerebral palsy, their courage and achievements as well as problems worldwide in order to create better living conditions and equal rights. On World Cerebral Palsy Day, green actions are organised, both privately and in institutions. Last year, more than 10 million people where reached.
Source: https://worldcpday.org/
