Cerebral Palsy Life Expectancy of Each Type

In India cases of cerebral palsy can even be higher than the global average of 2 per 1000 live births

The high percentage of cerebral palsy patients and their severe symptoms may make you think about how long your loved ones with cerebral palsy can live in this world. 

The survival of cerebral palsy patients depends on the severity of the disease and may be improved with treatment options. 

However, you may be surprised to know that conventional treatments like physiotherapy and surgery may not prolong the survival outcome. 

Advanced therapy can improve the life expectancy of your children by reducing the severity of the symptoms. 

Let us know more about the life expectancy of cerebral palsy patients.

Life Expectancy in Mild and Severe Cerebral Palsy

The term life expectancy means the number of years a person is expected to live. The average life expectancy refers to the average age a particular group of the population is expected to live. 

Cerebral palsy life expectancy depends on disabilities like issues related to mobility, vision and hearing defects, and other comorbid conditions affecting the life span. 

It has been observed that children with a mild form of cerebral palsy survive similarly to other children in the general population. According to reputed doctors, children with mild cerebral palsy have a 99% chance of living till 20 years whereas in the case of severe cerebral palsy children have a 40% chance of surviving till 20 years. 

The chance of survival depends on the DISAB score or the disability score. 

DISAB can take values from 1 (minimal paralysis on one side of the body without additional impairment) to 12 (severe quadriplegia ( paralysis in 4 limbs, bilateral blindness and deafness with active epilepsy and severe cognitive impairment)

Children with low disability scores (1-5) have a higher chance of survival than children with higher disability scores (6-12).

Average Life Expectancy According to Type of Cerebral Palsy

The average life expectancy of individuals with cerebral palsy can vary significantly depending on the type and severity of their condition, making it an important factor to consider in understanding the long-term outlook for those with this neurodevelopmental disorder. 

So, here is the average life expectancy as per the type of cerebral palsy:

1) Quadriplegic cerebral palsy

If a child has quadriplegic cerebral palsy (meaning disability in all four limbs),  they are expected to suffer severe symptoms resulting in shorter life expectancy till 40 years of age.

2) Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Children with Quadriplegic who also have spasticity (abnormal muscle tightness due to prolonged muscle contraction) suffer from the worst survival outcomes. Children with spastic cerebral palsy also have intellectual disabilities resulting in poor quality of life and survival till 20 years of age.

3) Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy 

Children with dyskinetic cerebral palsy have problems with chewing and oral muscle disabilities. They have problems with feeding and can suffer injury due to choking. Malnutrition can also affect the lifespan of these children. 

4) Ataxic Cerebral Palsy 

Children with ataxic cerebral palsy have motor skills issues, they have problems with movement. As a result, they have to rely on others to perform their daily tasks. They can suffer injury from sudden falls or accidents which can limit their survival chance till 30 years of age. 

Factors Affecting Life Expectancy in Cerebral Palsy

Understanding the factors that influence life expectancy in individuals with cerebral palsy is crucial for healthcare professionals and families, as various medical, social, and environmental factors can significantly impact the longevity and overall well-being of those with this condition.

Premature Aging

Individuals with cerebral palsy have a chance of premature aging and compromised immune systems. Therefore they have a low life expectancy.

Mobility

Mobility is another factor affecting the life expectancy of individuals. Individuals with mobility problems are confined to wheelchairs and as a result, they develop pressure sores (injuries that break down the skin and underlying tissues). These are life-threatening infections and can reduce the life expectancy of cerebral palsy patients.

Defects in vision, speech, and hearing

Cerebral palsy patients with defective sensory abilities need the help of others and their life expectancy can be reduced. 

Defects in swallowing and eating 

These patients generally have problems with swallowing and eating resulting in choking, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia (the inhalation of food or liquid into the airways or lungs rather than its intended passage through swallowing). These conditions greatly reduce the life expectancy of cerebral palsy patients.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders like the curvature of the spine, and hip dysplasia can severely affect health and shorten the lifespan.

Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders like defective lung functions can severely limit the lifespan of the patient. Gastro-oesophageal reflux and movement of gastric contents into the lungs can lead to life-threatening conditions.

Seizures

It has been observed by the Centre for Disease Control that 4 out of 10 children who have cerebral palsy suffer from epilepsy. Epileptic seizures can be very frequent and can lead to sudden death.

Managing Cerebral Palsy in  Adults

Adults suffering from cerebral palsy should attend educational lectures to improve their social, cognitive, emotional, and fine motor skills. 

They should consult counselors to adapt to the professional work conditions. They should also learn how to utilize public transport since they are unable to drive by themselves.

Here’s what you should do to manage cerebral palsy in Adults:

• Should go for regular medical check-ups to monitor overall health and address specific CP-related issues.
• Try physical therapy to improve mobility and prevent muscle contractures.
• Opt for occupational therapy to enhance daily living skills and independence.
• Use medications to manage spasticity, pain, or other associated conditions.
• Use assistive devices such as braces, wheelchairs, or communication aids.
• Avail psychological support to address emotional and mental health challenges.
• Get access to vocational and educational programs for employment and personal development.
• Get help from social support networks to foster community inclusion and well-being.

What is the treatment of Cerebral Palsy to increase life expectancy?

Cerebral palsy is caused due to brain injury in childbirth and as a result, it doesn’t improve or progress during the lifetime. 

The symptoms of cerebral palsy can become severe with age and can be managed. 

Exercise training by physiotherapists and the use of orthotics and electronic wheelchairs are some of the ways to tackle the mobility problems associated with cerebral palsy. 

Speech therapists can help to improve verbal communication skills and occupational therapists can help the cerebral palsy patients to perform daily activities. 

People suffering from curvature of the spine need surgical intervention. 

Apart from all these, cerebral palsy patients suffer from chronic pain as a result they have to use painkillers regularly. 

Lastly, the swallowing and oral muscular problems lead to the usage of gastronomic tubes while feeding. 

These therapies and interventions can improve the life expectancy of patients suffering from cerebral palsy. 

Apart from these conventional treatments,  stem cell therapy for cerebral palsy can be a very effective treatment option that has shown promising results. Stem cells from the bone marrow are transferred to the cerebrospinal fluid and new neuronal cells in the brain can develop.

Stem cells can reduce the symptoms of cerebral palsy to a great extent and can improve life expectancy.

Conclusion:

Although there are some conventional treatments for cerebral palsy they may not be as effective and functional as stem cell therapy. New research has shown that stem cells have the ability  to regenerate neurons and can improve cognitive and movement disabilities. 

MedicoExperts is a global virtual hospital with 24*7 care facilities for cerebral palsy patients. It is possible to take consultations and stem cell treatment from an expert panel of doctors and receive post-therapy follow-up and consultation. 

MedicoExperts can help your child live a longer life without suffering from severe symptoms of the disease. 

FAQ: