CP Research
Presently, there are almost 1 million American adults and children with cerebral palsy (CP) — and still another 50+ million with other disabilities. While prevention research remains a priority, funding for clinical trials is needed in order to provide evidence-based clinical care that can improve functionality, as well quality of life for those with developmental disabilities. There have been many advances in treating other neurological conditions such as adult stroke and spinal injury that may have a role in restoring motor and cognitive function in persons with CP. Despite advances in the prevention of CP, the incidence has increased 25% over the last decade and is likely attributable to the concomitant increases in the number of multiple fetal births and improved neo-natal care. Decisions to select any course of treatment should always be made after consultation with his or her professional provider.
Is research being done on cerebral palsy?
Yes. Active national programs of research are being vigorously pursued to prevent cerebral palsy and improve the quality of life for persons with cerebral palsy. The four organizations with major research programs are the Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation in the private sector, and the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research in the government sector. The research questions being addressed include:
- What are the factors that predispose the developing fetal brain to injury? Can these factors be eliminated or minimized?
- What are the causes of injury to the developing fetal brain? Can the developing fetal and newborn brain be protected? What are the causes of developmental delays and failure to thrive?
- Why are low birth weight in the full-term and the premature infant important risk factors for cerebral palsy?
- Can cerebral palsy be diagnosed before birth and better diagnosed shortly after birth?
- Which available treatments are most effective for specific disabilities of persons with cerebral palsy?
- Based on new knowledge now available in the medical, surgical, behavioral and bioengineering sciences, what improvements can be made in the quality of life of people with cerebral palsy?
- What are the effects of aging on a person with disabilities due to cerebral palsy?
- Can the damaged brain be "repaired"?
What is the Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation?
The Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation is the nation's principal non-government agency sponsoring research directly relevant to the prevention of cerebral palsy and improvement in the quality of life of persons with disabilities due to cerebral palsy and related developmental brain disorders. In its history of more than 50 years, the Foundation has been instrumental in eliminating two of the major causes of cerebral palsy, German measles and maternal-child blood type incompatibility. The Foundation is now focusing its attention on other remaining major causes such as low birth weight, prematurity, and the effects of maternal infection on the developing brain. It is also exploring the development of improved methods for mobility, communication and the general well being of children and adults with developmental disorders of the brain as well as the possibility of replacing lost cells in the brain. The Foundation also serves as the medical and scientific information resource for UCP, its affiliates, the clinical professions and the public.
Research Opportunities
Visit our Research Opportunities page, or explore the university links on the right, to see how you or a family member can participate in CP research at various research centers in Michigan.
