Mild cp and absence seizures - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

greenmom · 04-19-2004, 09:31 PM

I am new here, and I have a couple of questions. My daughter has very mild cp, but almost a year ago she started having absence seizures. She can have as many as 20 a day, she is 5 years old. Sometimes she will have an accident immediately following these seizures. Has anyone else experienced this? Also, sunlight seems to really help her not have any seizures, anyone heard of that? Thanks so much
greenmom

musicmaker650 · 04-22-2004, 10:42 AM

Hello Greenmom,

you know CP IS brain damage?? Brain damage CAN cause seizures. Has your daughter ever had a MRI? If not, now would be a good time to schedule one. If you don't have a neurologist, find one. CP itself does not get worse, once it settles in. You need to find out what's causing these seizures. I was 5 when I was diagnosed as having Spastic Diplegia CP, but you would have had to be blind to miss my underdeveloped legs. I have never had a seizure, but I have fallen so many times, I am an expert! I don't hit my head too often... I'm 6'1" and I walk using two canes. I'll be 54 in June. One more thing... could you please drop the phrase "very mild CP" from your mind. If you really stop and think about it, there's no such thing. Just ask your daughter, in about ten years...

My best wishes to you and your daughter

eegazda · 04-23-2004, 04:48 AM

Musicmaker,

My daughter was just diagnosted with Spastic Diplegia. I'm confused because she also has arm stiffness, does not rotate her wrists and does not use her left hand as much as she should (she is 13 months and should be ambidextrious). If you know...when they say diplegia, doesn't that mean only 2 limbs? Her legs are weak in front and stiff in the ham strings.

Also, she is getting PT and will be starting OT and Speach therapy. Has anything like that helped you?

musicmaker650 · 04-23-2004, 08:55 AM

Hello eegazda,

of course, I had all kinds of Ocupational and Physical thearpy from the age of 5 till I was 17... Your daughter could certainly benefit from both right now. I have some weakness in my right arm, and poorer coordination in my right hand than my left hand, but my legs are affected mostly from the knees down. My knees are stiff and straight from an operation when I was 11, and I can't really move my feet at all. I can feel them and they don't hurt, but I can't move them. I can walk using two canes. I have walked for the last 49 years... no wonder I'm tired

Diplegia means 2, and Hemiplegia means one side. CP comes in many forms, and with some other stuff along for the ride. It will take some time for your daughter to sort things out, but you can be certain that she will be a strong, loving and caring person, if you give her those skills and include her in everything you and your family do...

eegazda · 04-23-2004, 12:37 PM

Thank you! I wish my Drs. were as willing to explain things as you are. I feel so dumb in appointments when my questions are sort of brushed aside. You make sense! I guess it is hard to explain something you can't experience and since she can't speak for herself yet your insights are invaluable. My husband and I are worried that this is painful for her (physically). I'm sorry if this is too nosey but, does it hurt?

By the way, maybe stuff like this is already out there but I've read a lot of your posts and you know a lot and explain things very well. You ought to write a book from your perspective! I would read it!