What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term used to describe a group of chronic conditions affecting body movement and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain, usually occurring during fetal development; before, during or shortly after birth; or during infancy up to about age three. Cerebral refers to the cerebrum, which is one of the affected areas of the brain, while palsy refers to disorder of movement. The motor disorders of cerebral palsy are often accompanied by disturbances of sensation, perception, cognition, communication and behavior.

Cerebral palsy is not progressive (i.e., brain damage does not get worse); however, secondary conditions–such as muscle spasticity–can develop, which may get better over time, get worse or remain the same. Also, it is not communicable. Cerebral palsy is not a disease, and should not be referred to as such. Although cerebral palsy is not curable, training and therapy can help improve function. Many promising therapies and treatments are currently being investigated.