320 Where There Is No Doctor 2011
The Spastic Child (Cerebral Palsy)
A child who is spastic has tight, stiff muscles
that he controls poorly. His face, neck, or body may
twist, and his movements may be jerky. Often the
tight muscles on the inside of his legs cause them
to cross like scissors.
At birth the child may seem normal or perhaps
floppy. The stiffness comes as he gets older. He
may or may not be mentally slow.
legs crossed
like scissors
The brain damage that causes cerebral palsy
often results from brain damage at birth (when
the baby does not breathe soon enough) or from
meningitis in early childhood.
There are no medicines that cure the brain
damage that makes a child spastic. But the child
needs special care. To help prevent tightening
of muscles in the legs or in a foot, straighten and
bend them very slowly several times a day.
Help the child learn to roll over, sit, stand—and if possible to walk (as on p. 314).
Encourage him to use both his mind and body as much as he can (see p. 322). Even
if he has trouble with speaking he may have a good mind and be able to learn many
skills if given a chance. Help him to help himself.
For more information on cerebral palsy, see Disabled Village Children, Chapter 9.
TO HELP PREVENT MENTAL RETARDATION OR BIRTH DEFECTS IN
HER CHILD, A WOMAN SHOULD DO THESE THINGS:
1. Do not have children with a cousin or other close relative.
2. E at as well as possible during pregnancy: as much beans, fruit, vegetables,
meat, eggs, and milk products as you can.
3. Use iodized salt instead of regular salt, especially during pregnancy.
4. Do not smoke or drink during pregnancy (see p. 149).
5. While pregnant, avoid medicines whenever possible—use only those known
to be safe.
6. While pregnant, keep away from persons with German measles.
7. Be careful in the selection of a midwife—and do not let the midwife use
medicines to speed up the birth or ‘give strength’ to the mother (see p. 266).
8. Do not have more children if you have more than one child with the same
birth defect (see Family Planning, p. 283).
9. Consider not having more children after age 35.