Apgar score–a numbered score doctors use to assess a baby’s physical state at the time of birth

Apraxia–impaired ability to carry out purposeful movements in an individual who does not have significant motor problems

Asphyxia–lack of oxygen due to trouble with breathing or poor oxygen supply

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy–form of CP characterized by low muscle tone and poor coordination

Athetoid Cerebral Palsy–form of CP caused by damage to the cerebellum or basal ganglia that may cause involuntary movements in the face and arms

Cesarian section–the surgical removal of a child from its mother’s womb by opening the abdominal and uterine walls

Cerebral–relating to the two hemispheres of the brain

Computed tomography scan (CT scan)–an imaging technique that uses X-rays and a computer to create a picture of the brain’s tissues and structures

Developmental milestones–the average ages at which children develop certain skills or abilities. Tracking these milestones enables parents to observe any problems in their child’s development

Dysarthria–problems with speaking caused by difficulty moving or coordinating the muscles needed for speech

Electroencephalogram (EEG)–a method for recording the pattern of electrical currents inside the brain

Epilepsy–a symptom of brain dysfunction characterized by periodic, recurrent seizures

Erb’s palsy–a form of paralysis caused by traumatic injury to the upper brachial plexus. This occurs most commonly during childbirth due to forcible traction during delivery. Indicators of Erb’s palsy include loss of sensation in the arm, and paralysis and atrophy of the muscles in the arm. Usually only affects one side of the body.

Fetal distress–a situation where your baby cannot breathe. Also known as hypoxia.

Forceps–tools used to grip a baby’s head and guide it out of the birth canal

Gait analysis–methods used to objectively measure an individual’s pattern of walking

Hypertonia–increased tone

Hypotonia–decreased tone

Involuntary movement–movement not under conscious control of the brain. When involuntary movements affect normally controlled parts of the body, such as limbs, these can be seriously detrimental to your ability to function normally

Little’s disease–the first name for cerebral palsy. Named after the surgeon, William John Little, who first defined and recognized the condition in the 1860s.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–an imaging technique that uses radio waves, magnetic fields and computer analysis to create a picture of body tissues and structures

Mixed cerebral palsy–a form of cerebral palsy that includes effects of both spastic and athetoid cerebral palsy

Orthotic devices–special devices, such as a brace, used to treat problems of the muscles, ligaments or bones of the skeletal system

Paresis or plegia–paralysis or weakness. With cerebral palsy, these terms are typically combined with another phrase that describes the distribution of paralysis and weakness

Palsy–problems in the control of voluntary movement

Spastic Cerebral Palsy–the most common form of CP, it causes affected children to have stiff and jerky movements

Spastic diplegia–a form of CP in which both arms and both legs are affected, with the legs being more severely affected

Spastic hemiplegia (hemiparesis)–a form of CP in which spasticity affects the arm and leg on one side of the body

Spastic paraplegia (paraparesis)–a form of CP in which spasticity affects both legs, with the arms relatively or completely spared

Spastic quadriplegia (quadriparesis)–a form of CP in which all four limbs are affected equally