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What is the difference between cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) and muscular dystrophy (MD) are both conditions that affect movement, but they have very different causes and progressions:

  • Cerebral palsy results from early brain injury or abnormal development. It is non-progressive, meaning symptoms may change as a child grows but the brain injury itself does not worsen.
  • Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic disorders that cause muscles to weaken and waste over time. It is progressive and can lead to increasing disability as muscle degeneration continues.
In short, CP is a neurological condition, while MD is a muscle disease. CP management focuses on therapy and functional support, while MD treatment often involves monitoring muscle health, mobility aids, and respiratory support.

For CP therapy options under the NDIS, contact us now.