Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a persons ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is the most common motor disability in childhood. The term cerebral refers to the brain, while palsy refers to the loss or impairment of motor function. CP is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects a person’s ability to control his or her muscles. The exact cause of CP is often unknown, but several factors can lead to problems with brain development, including gene mutations, maternal infections, fetal stroke, and brain damage that occurs more than 28 days after birth.
All people with CP have problems with movement and posture, and many also have related conditions such as intellectual disability, seizures, problems with vision, hearing, or speech, changes in the spine (such as scoliosis), or joint problems (such as contractures). Doctors classify CP according to the main type of movement disorder involved, which can include spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, or mixed. Symptoms of CP can vary greatly from person to person and may include problems with movement and coordination, speech and eating, development, and other problems.
Cerebral palsy is usually diagnosed anywhere between 18 months and 5 years of age. Although parents and caregivers may be the first to notice signs of cerebral palsy in infants, doctors often hesitate to make an immediate diagnosis until further symptoms can be observed as the child gets older. There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but supportive treatments, medications, and surgery can help many individuals improve their motor skills and ability to communicate with the world.
