POLOKWANE – Local paediatrician Dr Malebo Molokomme says cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain their balance and posture.

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Bonus approached Molokomme for more information on the disorder following a wheelchair donation to 21-year-old Matshepo Mabelane on March 1, who has cerebral palsy and delayed milestone.

The wheelchair was donated by the Pheme family and Matshepo’s parents, Lesia and John, say they couldn’t be happier and more grateful.

Molokomme says a delay in milestone is when a child struggles with language, thinking, social or motor skills milestones.

“This illness may be caused by a variety of factors that include heredity, complications during pregnancy and premature birth,” she said.

She explained that children are likely to have developmental delays because of brain damage suffered during or immediately after birth. She added that every parent knows their child best.

“It is important to get a good diagnosis for a movement disorder in your child’s development or delay. You should go see your child’s doctor if you have concerns about your child’s unusual bodily movements or muscle tone, impaired coordination, swallowing difficulties, eye muscle imbalance or other developmental issues your child might be experiencing,” she said.

Signs of cerebral palsy in babies may include:

• Stiffness in the joints.
• Not being able to lift their own heads.
• Drooling excessively.
• Abnormal muscle tone.
• Delayed in rolling over, walking or sitting up on their own.
• Stiffened or crossed legs when being picked up.
• Finding it difficult to grasp objects or clapping their hands.
• Overextended back and neck when being picked up.

Read more about the donation in next week’s Bonus.