Does ataxic cerebral palsy affect speech?

Kids with ataxic (ah-TAK-sik) cerebral palsy may walk with their feet spread apart, and their walk may look unbalanced or jerky. They might not be able to get their muscles to do other things too, like reach for a fork. Kids with all types of CP can have vision, hearing, speech, eating, behavior, and learning problems.

What does cerebral palsy do to speech?

Cerebral palsy can affect the language centers in the brain that control speech, resulting in difficulty with using the correct words or an inability to express one’s self.

What are the symptoms of ataxic cerebral palsy?

Symptoms of Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

• Unsteady movements due to difficulty with balance.
• Tremors (especially when reaching for things)
• Difficulties making quick movements.
• Difficulties with precise finger movements.
• Breathy sounds and monotone voice when speaking, known as “scanning” speech.
• Slow eye movements.

What is speech disorders in cerebral palsy?

Many children with cerebral palsy have dysarthria, a motor speech disorder where the muscles of the mouth may be affected, which makes speech difficult. People with dysarthria have difficulty controlling the muscles used for speech, such as as the: Lips. Tongue.

Is ataxic cerebral palsy common?

Ataxia is the least common form of cerebral palsy. Ataxia means ‘without order’ or ‘incoordination’.

Can ataxic cerebral palsy be cured?

Physical therapy and occupational therapy are among some of the main treatments for ataxic cerebral palsy. These treatments can help children with ataxic CP become more independent later in life.

How do you get ataxic cerebral palsy?

Ataxic cerebral palsy is caused by a brain injury to the cerebellum before, during or shortly after birth….Damage to the cerebellum can be caused by:

1. Infections in the womb.
2. Loss of oxygen from placental failure or breech birth.
3. Head trauma during or after birth.
4. Brain hemorrhaging from fetal stroke.

What kind of speech impairment does ataxic cerebral palsy cause?

“Scanning,” a specific type of speech impairment caused by oral impairment from ataxic cerebral palsy is also common. When a person has this speech impairment, they usually sound extremely monotone and breathe heavily.

How are people with ataxic cerebral palsy treated?

1 Physical therapy. Often the first step of treatment, physical therapy combines strength and flexibility exercises with massage therapy and orthotic devices, such as splints and casts. 2 Occupational therapy. 3 Speech therapy. 4 Medication.

What are some examples of speech therapy for cerebral palsy?

Some examples of common exercises for speech therapy include: Articulation Therapy – Using language cards to help focus on specific sounds; encouraging children to make sounds while looking in the mirror to help them understand how their mouth moves.

When do you know if your child has ataxic cerebral palsy?

Because ataxic cerebral palsy is a complex disability, obtaining a definitive diagnosis before a child is 12 months old can be difficult. Ataxic cerebral palsy is permanent, but there many different types of therapy for cerebral palsy that can help enhance the lives of people who live with this condition.