Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a medical term for a group of neurological disorders that cause stiff muscles, uncontrollable movements and poor balance and coordination.

CP occurs when areas of the brain that control movement and posture show abnormalities or are damaged before, during, or after birth.

Babies can be born with CP or it may be recognized in the first few years of life. CP is the most common motor disability in childhood. It is not progressive, that is, it does not tend to worsen over time, however, symptoms may change over a life-time.

The most common form is spastic CP, which is characterized by increased muscle tone and stiff muscles. Other forms include dyskinetic CP, ataxic CP and mixed CP.

CP is caused by abnormal development of the brain or damage to the developing brain (which can happen before, during or within a month after birth) that can affect a person's ability to move and to maintain balance and posture.

Lack of oxygen during the birth process can cause CP. However, this is believed to be the cause in only a small percentage of cases.

CP related to brain damage that occurred before or during birth is responsible for the majority of cases and is called congenital CP.

In many cases, the specific cause is not known. CP caused by brain damage that occurs more than 28 days after birth is called acquired CP. Acquired CP is often associated with meningitis or a head injury.

Talk with your child's doctor if you notice delays in rolling over, sitting, crawling, or walking, or stiff or floppy muscles. Early therapy and support improve movement and development.