Definition of cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is not a single disease, but a group of syndromes with similar characteristics. Damage to the immature brain occurs at birth or after birth, resulting in impaired movement and posture, and in some cases, symptoms may change as they grow.
Cerebral palsy can be classified as mild, moderate, and severe, depending on the severity of the symptoms. In addition, depending on the site, it can be classified as single paralysis (paralysis of one upper or lower limb), hemiplegia (paralysis of both upper and lower limbs), severe paralysis of the lower limbs with symptoms in both lower limbs but severe in the lower limbs, and quadriplegia in which all limbs have similar symptoms. Alternatively, it can be divided into stiffness, asynchronous motor type, ankylosing type, tremor type, ataxia type, relaxation type, and mixed type according to the neuromotor type, and it can also be divided into catatonic type, dystonia, chorea type, and balismus according to the movement disorder type.
Symptoms of cerebral palsy
By definition of cerebral palsy, brain damage is no longer progressing or improving. However, physical symptoms are constantly changing over time.
The most common form is spasmodic paralysis. Stiffening of the muscles causes changes in the skeletal system, and the stiffness is usually more severe in the lower limbs than in the upper limbs. Their gait pattern changes according to the paralysis pattern, and they are often able to live independently because they have no impairment in their intelligence.
The movement disorder type, unlike the rigid type, is more likely to have severe symptoms in the upper limbs. As a result, 75% of patients are ambulatory. It is known that about 50% of patients with mixed movement disorder and stiffness type who have symptoms in both limbs are able to ambulate.
Employment of people with cerebral palsy
Let’s take a look at the 4 characteristics of people with cerebral palsy that are related to work.
- Difficulty with complex, ordered movements. They may not be able to perform actions according to instructions, and may have difficulty perceiving complex spaces or three-dimensional objects.
- Some parts of the body may move or tremble regardless of their will. As a result, it can be difficult to perform the correct movements, and there is even a chance of falling.
- Conversations can be difficult. If it is accompanied by aphasia or dysphonia, it is difficult to speak with others, and if it is impossible to write, it is difficult to write. Communication can be disrupted, and instructions can be communicated.
- You may also have a visual impairment and your vision may not be perfect.
Let’s take a look at the symptoms of cerebral palsy and what you should consider when looking for a job based on the above characteristics.
Ease of commuting
There are times when it is difficult to walk, and there are many patients with cerebral palsy who have difficulty improvising when it comes to mobility, so the ease of commuting should be considered. Long-distance commuting and crowded trains can be a big burden.
Type of work
It’s a good idea to choose a work arrangement that makes it easy to control your physical condition, such as a flexible commute system, flexible work schedule, or telecommuting. The burden of commuting is reduced.
Barrier-free installation
If you are equipped to perform well, it will be easier for you to do your job.
For people with cerebral palsy, it is recommended to work while sitting with little strenuous exercise or delicate movements, but it is not suitable for answering telephones or responding to visitors. A special subsidiary with a well-established working environment is also a good option. Therefore, the recommended occupations are as follows:
- General office work: General affairs, accounting, OA office work, data entry, etc.
- Web Production: Web designers, web marketers, etc.
- IT Technology: SEs, programmers, network engineers, etc.
References:
Seoul National University Hospital N Medical Information
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