I never really understood what I was dealing with as a child around my physical problems, what my symptoms meant or what they were. Now 47 years on and I still don’t know everything I need to know, but this blog relates to my stroke and my cerebral palsy disorder.

My 'stroke' details

As was explained to me by my consultant, the part of my brain that is damaged as a result of a stroke at birth, is called the Cerebrum (although the disorder is likely to involve connections between the cortex and other parts of the brain) such as the Cerebellum.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a complex neurological disorder that affects different individuals in unique ways, despite the common underlying brain damage. The symptoms of cerebral palsy can vary widely, and even though the same part of the brain, such as the cerebellum, may be involved in many cases, the specific areas affected and the extent of the damage can differ significantly.

When it comes to paying attention, a switch turns off in my brain and I fail to concentrate to see, and for what I'm seeing to register.  I also have brain fatigue.

The cerebellum

The cerebellum, plays a critical role in motor control, coordination, and balance. Damage to this area can lead to difficulties with movement, coordination and posture, which are common symptoms of cerebral palsy. However, even within the same individual, different parts of the cerebellum may be affected to varying degrees, resulting in a range of symptoms.

Others need to accept and help us adjust 

The connections between a damaged brain and body are not wired in the same way as an undamaged brain. I would like to be more accepting of my condition, but in order to do that, others need to accept and help me to adjust.

It is important for anyone living with a disability to not be continually judged for their shortcomings. If they could do better they would.

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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