Children with cerebral palsy have a 30 percent or greater motor delay compared to what children their age should have. The motor delay is due to a white matter brain injury, often times a birth injury. Although the brain will not degenerate, a static area of damage will remain.

However, advances in cerebral palsy research seem promising for minimizing the damage, as well as for providing tools to improve the lives of those with cerebral palsy.

Problems with the delivery of oxygen to the brain have been associated with cerebral palsy. Researchers are currently testing a technique that cools the baby and the baby's brain. The coolness will slow the metabolic activity and reduce the killing of cells. The process may protect the baby's brain from injury.

Also, cerebral palsy research is currently being done at Duke University. Researchers there are infusing a baby's own stem cells into his or her veins to study any noticeable difference in the baby's movement.

Additionally, there had been an increase in the use of assistive technology. For example, electronic implantations under the scalp of those with cerebral palsy can assist them in their day-to-day lives. This will allow them to turn on and off robotics and computers just by nodding their head in the device's direction.

There have also been advances in surgery. Orthopedic surgeons have enhanced surgeries to improve the quality of life for individuals with cerebral palsy, including heel cord lengthening and muscle tone surgeries. Neurosurgery can also be performed to improve spasticity.

Children three years old and younger can take advantage of early childhood intervention services. They can be evaluated by occupational, physical and speech therapists in order to determine the child's ability level. This will allow professionals and the family to determine the best course of action for the child.

Children above three years of age should take advantage of public schools' special education services. As required by federal law, the special education department will determine what services are necessary for the child and will undertake to provide those services.

To be sure, researchers are working diligently. Currently, the March of Dimes has 17 active grants, totaling over $4 million, dedicated to cerebral palsy.

Source: Abilene Reporter News "Advances shown in Cerebral Palsy research" 8/2/10