Cerebral Palsy and Inflammation

I am not a doctor or a scientist but I know how to decipher studies and more importantly, every time I come across an article, I follow back to the source. This is because although I don't see it often, some people lose relevant info in their summary which can become misconstrued. I encourage all of you to verify what you read if your intention is to truly learn.

One study I came across indicated that chronic neuro-inflammation is seen in people with acute brain injury or stroke, even many years after injury occurred. See study here Although a powerful drug was injected directly into the spine to reduce inflammation, it set me to look for a natural and available alternative which would also cross the blood-brain barrier.

There are many things with anti-inflammatory properties such as Gotu-Kola, Aloe Vera, Turmeric, and fish oils. Before running to the local grocery store to buy these products, know that all supplements are not created equally. You want to do some research and find products which are tested, and free from common, often harmful excipients if you decide to try any of these.

Sienna has many of these things every day and I can honestly say that without them I feel, she would be worse off. One supplement called Moxxor I began to give her due to it's potent anti-inflammatory properties and evidence for brain growth in studies conducted. Moxxor appears to reduce pain for her especially at night. I can definitely see a difference when she does not have it. It is perfectly safe for children.

Tim Healy on Moxxor and child development:

View video here

 If interested or for more information... please check out my link in sidebar!

 

As important as anti-inflammatory things are, it is also crucial to avoid things which CAUSE more inflammation in my opinion. Examples are..

 

High fructose corn syrup, MSG, wheat, gluten, aspartame, and some studies suggest rice, tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant are also inflammatory. See a great article about nightshades here.

This is one of the reasons behind her diet.

 

 

Not all children with Cerebral Palsy will have any visible damage to the brain because the term covers a rather large spectrum of disability and symptoms. Sienna has what is best described as underdeveloped myelin, so all of my efforts have focused on how to promote or stimulate healing in this area. 

 

Hope this information helps someone out there get a clearer picture of possible help for their child or loved one or even themselves.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reference

Perispinal etanercept for post-stroke neurological and cognitive dysfunction: scientific rationale and current evidence.

Ignatowski TA, Spengler RN, Dhandapani KM, Folkersma H, Butterworth RF, Tobinick E.

CNS Drugs. 2014 Aug;28(8):679-97. doi: 10.1007/s40263-014-0174-2.

Dr. Google says....

As I am putting Sienna's essential oils down her spine for their various reported benefits...I notice I can't really follow her upper spine too well and have to push in to find it whereas the lower spine protrudes. At that moment it hit me like a punch in the face...I was devastated at the fact that her doctors had possibly missed yet another issue. Neuromuscular scoliosis as Dr. Google told me. I only believe this when it makes perfect sense and then further retrospective thought leads me to the fact that this has been coming! No one suggested bracing or checked her back even after the fact that when she was first diagnosed she was practically sitting on her lower back. (Therapy helped her stop doing this so I didn't associate it with back problems...) Besides with everything else to focus on how could I not miss something so important? I'm livid that they failed her here again BUT I choked back my tears and simply added it to the list of things to tell THEM she needs corrected. Head up...
Hoping I am over-reacting here.

Worldwide Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day

 

 

Cerebral Palsy affects more people than you can imagine! While my little angel can't walk or talk yet at 4 years old yet will smile bright enough to light the world, I ask you all to take a moment to have appreciation today and maybe every day! Look around at the simple things and the abilities and maybe even the people that you might be taking for granted and just fill yourself with gratitude.

This is surprisingly easy for me to do today and most days! Why? Because this little girl inspires me and has more strength, happiness, and motivation than most adults I know! She has taught me that each moment is precious and every achievement is to be celebrated and cherished. I am grateful she is healthy, progressing, and always has a beautiful smile and plenty of hugs and kisses to share.

Sienna truly does shine everyday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!