World Cerebral Palsy Day 6 October 2023 - Importance & History

World Cerebral Palsy Day is a global healthcare event observed annually on 6th October to raise awareness of Cerebral Palsy and bring attention to the specific needs of those with this complex physical condition.

On this day, various national and international organisations come together and organise education and outreach drives, sessions, conferences, workshops and social events to educate people about the risks of cerebral palsy and how to prevent it.

Importance of World Cerebral Palsy Day (WCPD)

Cerebral palsy is a condition of movement and posture. It is a dynamic representation of a static state. In cerebral palsy, the brain develops differently in different children. The injured brain will have other expressions in different children. Some children might get mental impairment, while some may not. But the bottom line is that the disorder of movements and posture remains the same, yet it can be severe, moderate or mild.

Cerebral Palsy is one of the least known disabilities, and people with cerebral palsy are frequently out of sight, out of mind, and out of options in communities globally, so it's important to consult a neurologist in case of any Trouble with vision or trouble in feeling sensation. Cerebral palsy is the most common type of childhood motor dysfunction. Cerebral palsy is mostly caused by injury to the growing brain during pregnancy or shortly after birth. It is a life-long condition that does not deteriorate over time.

Globally, about 1.7 crores of people have some form of cerebral palsy, according to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (CPARF). Another 35 crores of people are closely related to a child or adult with cerebral palsy. Nearly 15-20% of physically disabled children are affected by Cerebral Palsy. In India, the estimated incidence is around 3/1000 live births.

According to Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation (CPARF) reports the following cerebral palsy:

• 1 in 2 will also have an intellectual disability
• 1 in 3 will have extremely limited or no walking ability (and will need assistance devices, such as wheelchairs)
• 1 in 4 will have bladder control issues
• 1 in 4 will not able to speak
• 1 in 5 will have a sleep disorder
• 3 in 4 will experience chronic pain lifelong
• 1 in 10 will have notable vision problems

As per a 2022 research report, the birth prevalence for pre-/perinatal cerebral palsy in regions from high-income countries (HICs) was 1.5 per 1000 live births and 1.6 per 1000 live births when post neonatal CP was included. A majority (82.9%) of the children with Cerebral palsy (CP) had spastic Cerebral palsy (CP). More than half (58.9%) of the children with Cerebral palsy (CP) could walk independently.

Cerebral palsy (CP) was much more common in black children than in white. Hispanic and white children were equally likely to have CP. According to a research study, 41% of children with CP were unable to crawl, walk, run, or play, and 31% required the use of special equipment such as walkers or wheelchairs.

Cerebral Palsy is one of the least understood disabilities due to a lack of awareness regarding this condition. The world of cerebral palsy creates a platform to emphasise awareness with respect to the disease, diagnosis and treatment, in addition to addressing the challenges cerebral palsy patients face.

History of World Cerebral Palsy Day

The Cerebral Palsy Alliance in 2012 declared October 6 as World Cerebral Palsy Day in order to bring together people with cerebral palsy (CP), their friends, families, and organizations. It also aims to ensure that children and adults with cerebral palsy have the same rights, opportunities, and access as everyone else globally.

Prevention of cerebral palsy during pregnancy 

Cerebral palsy prevention during pregnancy is dependent on maintaining good habits and staying healthy. The following are the ways to prevent cerebral palsy (CP) at the time of pregnancy, that includes:

• Staying away from exposure to infections or viruses, that known to harm foetal health, such as German Measles, Cytomegalovirus or Zika
• Getting the necessary vaccinations
• Managing underlying health conditions
• Avoiding alcohol, cigarettes
• Recognising any potential Rh incompatibility between mother and child

Know more about health awareness days