How many people have cerebral palsy

There is much to be learned by analyzing studies and comparing study results from study-to-study, community-to-community, among specific demographic groups, and across national borders. This type of data will indicate where conditions are more prevalent, where prevention awareness campaigns can be more useful, and where health care resources can be improved.

Government agencies use the statistics to monitor health conditions while appropriating funds for assistance where needed. Prevalence and incidence statistics provide those touched by Cerebral Palsy with an understanding of how widespread Cerebral Palsy is.

They may feel some degree of comfort in knowing they are not alone. Since the mids, researchers have conducted a number of studies aimed at determining the prevalence and incidence of Cerebral Palsy within the United States. The results of the studies varied, but useful generalizations can provide an understanding of how many individuals with Cerebral Palsy live in the United States, and which types and forms of Cerebral Palsy are most common.

Most of the studies performed on prevalence and incidence in the United States, however, are now outdated at nearly a decade old.

The studies were also performed in a small test market with results extrapolated to apply to the nation as a whole. Study details and findings, descending in chronological order beginning with most recent, include the following. In the first multi-state study, prevalence of Cerebral Palsy among 8-year-old children was surveyed in northern Alabama, metropolitan Atlanta, and southeastern Wisconsin.

Data from , children was analyzed. Cerebral Palsy occurred at a rate of 3. Spastic Cerebral Palsy was the most common form, accounting for The study relied on documentation as the source of data. Conversely, researchers claim to have erred on the side of a Cerebral Palsy diagnosis when reviewing ambiguous medical records, which may have inflated numbers.

Two similar studies were conducted in the five-county metropolitan Atlanta area in and The studies also surveyed 8-year-old children with Cerebral Palsy, and additionally tracked four other developmental disabilities. The study found a higher prevalence — 3.

Data was collected via educational records from nine public school systems and alternative education sources, plus clinical records from private and public medical facilities. Some question the validity of the study, as the higher prevalence in is out of sync with the and the studies.

In comparison to the other studies, the records used were not adequately tracked, and could have led to errors. However, the prevalence is the same as the study.

It is noteworthy that while each study produced helpful statistics, none provided a definitive, clear answer about prevalence and incidence of Cerebral Palsy. Globally, over 17 million people have cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy affects approximately , children and adults in America.

Every year, around 10, children will be born with cerebral palsy. About one in three children with cerebral palsy cannot walk. Sources Data and Statistics for Cerebral Palsy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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