CP is a complex disability: 1 in 4 children with CP cannot talk, 1 in 4 cannot walk, 1 in 2 have an intellectual disability, 1 in 4 have epilepsy. It is a lifelong disability with no cure.
Sidra Medicine, a Qatar Foundation member, observed World Cerebral Palsy Day (Oct 6) in support of its patients and families with children who have cerebral palsy (CP), a report in The Peninsula, Doha, says.
World Cerebral Palsy Day, which is observed every year on October 6, reminds us that there over 17 million people impacted by this disorder. One of the most common physical disabilities, CP mostly affects children.
CP is a complex disability: 1 in 4 children with CP cannot talk, 1 in 4 cannot walk, 1 in 2 have an intellectual disability, 1 in 4 have epilepsy. It is a lifelong disability with no cure.
Dr. Lisa Thornton, Division Chief of Rehabilitative Medicine at Sidra Medicine, said: “This year’s theme is “Millions of Reasons” because there are 17 million worldwide with cerebral palsy and every one of them is a reason to strive for change. The vision of this day is to ensure that children and adults with CP have the same rights, access, and opportunities as anyone else in our society.”
Qatar supports the rights of people with CP since it signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities in 2008. This commitment was reaffirmed with the Doha Declaration of 2019.
Sidra Medicine’s Rehabilitation Department employs a multidisciplinary, community-based approach – working with young patients and their families. With its individual and holistic approach strategy, every patient gets checked up by a rehabilitative medicine physician, a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist.
Dr. Lisa Thornton, Division Chief of Rehabilitative Medicine at Sidra Medicine, said: “This year’s theme is “Millions of Reasons” because there are 17 million worldwide with cerebral palsy and every one of them is a reason to strive for change.
Families also receive a personalised plan and guidance on how to cope with their child’s disability and the best ways to help them reach their full potential.
Sidra Medicine’s Movement Disorders Clinic was established in 2020 and is the only paediatric service in Qatar to provide comprehensive management of spasticity (uncontrollable muscle stiffness) and dystonia (involuntary, abnormal jerking or twisting movements) in children and young people with CP.
Cerebral palsy (CP) affects body movement and muscle coordination, is not hereditary nor contagious but is a life-long condition. It is the number one physical disability in children. While many adults with CP work and lead productive lives, many are bound by therapy and equipment expenses that can be debilitating.
Cerebral Palsy Day was launched in 2012 by Cerebral Palsy Alliance (Australia) and United Cerebral Palsy (USA). It has the support of 450 cerebral palsy service organisations, universities, parent groups, research institutions, student groups, schools and children’s hospitals from 65 countries.
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