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{
"id": 1059419,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1059419/?format=api",
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"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. (Dr.) Musuruve",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": {
"id": 13188,
"legal_name": "Getrude Musuruve Inimah",
"slug": "getrude-musuruve-inimah"
},
"content": "I rise pursuant to Standing Order 47(1) to make a Statement on an issue of general topical concern, namely, cerebral awareness month. The month of March is globally marked as Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. Thousands of Kenyans may not be aware of what cerebral palsy is, the symptoms and how to support children with cerebral palsy together with their caregivers. The word cerebral means having to do with the brain, whereas, palsy means weakness or problems with using muscles. Cerebral palsy is a brain disorder that can affect muscles or the brain. To create awareness of cerebral palsy, many people who are aware and would like to create awareness purposely wear green. The colour green was chosen to reflect youthfulness and new growth as well as hope for advancement in treatment and acceptance. Madam Deputy Speaker, cerebral palsy may be caused by brain injury or problems that occurs during pregnancy or birth or within the first two or three years of a child’s life while the brain is still developing. Cerebral palsy is related to brain damage that happens before or during birth is called congenital cerebral palsy. Majority of cerebral palsy, between 85 to 90 per cent is congenital. In many cases, the specific cause is not known. Some things increase the chance that a child will have cerebral palsy. These are called risk factors. It is important to remember that having a risk factor does not mean that a child will have cerebral palsy. Some of the risk factors for congenital CP are low birth weight, premature birth, multiple births, assisted reproductive technology that is, infertility treatments, infections during pregnancy, jaundice and kernicterus, medical conditions of the mother and birth complications - detachment of the placenta, uterine rupture, or problems with the umbilical cord during birth can disrupt oxygen supply to the baby and result in cerebral palsy. Madam Deputy Speaker, a small percentage of cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage that occurs more than 28 days after birth. This is called Acquired Cerebral Palsy and usually is associated with an infection (such as meningitis) or head injury, problems with blood flow to the brain, cerebrovascular accidents, for example, stroke or bleeding in the brain associated with a blood clotting problem, blood vessels that did not form properly, a heart defect that was present at birth, or sickle cell disease. In preventing cerebral palsy, there is need to be aware that the cause or causes of congenital cerebral palsy are not fully known, which means that currently little can be done to prevent it. Cerebral palsy related to genetics is not preventable. However, there are actions people can take before and during pregnancy as well as after birth that might help reduce the risk of developmental problems, including cerebral palsy. Taking steps to help ensure a healthy pregnancy can help prevent developmental problems, including cerebral palsy. Acquired Cerebral Palsy is often related to an infection or injury, and some of these cases can be prevented. Some preventive measures are; mother being as healthy as possible before pregnancy, getting vaccinated for certain diseases such as rubella and chicken pox that could harm the baby and considering chances of reducing multiple pregnancies in case one is using assistive reproductive technology. Madam Deputy Speaker, there are three types of cerebral palsy, namely, Ataxic cerebral palsy, dyskinetic cerebral palsy and spastic cerebral palsy. Ataxic cerebral palsy is a developmental disorder that affects motor function. It is characterized by problems with balance and coordination. These issues are caused by damage to the developing brains motor control centres. Ataxic cerebral palsy is not easy to diagnose until the child The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}