Cerebral Palsy Information Page
Definition
The term cerebral palsy refers to a group of neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement, muscle coordination, and balance.CP affects the part of the brain that controls muscle movements. The majority of children with cerebral palsy are born with it, although it may not be detected until months or years later.The early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before a child reaches 3 years of age.The most common are a lack of muscle coordination when performing voluntary movements (ataxia); stiff or tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity); walking with one foot or leg dragging; walking on the toes, a crouched gait, or a scissored gait; and muscle tone that is either too stiff or too floppy.Other neurological symptoms that commonly occur in individuals with CP include seizures, hearing loss and impaired vision, bladder and bowel control issues, and pain and abnormal sensations. A small number of children have CP as the result of brain damage in the first few months or years of life, brain infections such as bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis, or head injury from a motor vehicle accident, a fall, or child abuse. The disorder isn't progressive, meaning that the brain damage typically doesn't get worse over time. Risk factors associated with CP do not cause the disorder but can increase a child's chance of being born with the disorder.CP is not hereditary.
Definition
The term cerebral palsy refers to a group of neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement, muscle coordination, and balance.CP affects the part of the brain that controls muscle movements. The majority of children with cerebral palsy are born with it, although it may not be detected until months or years later.The early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before a child reaches 3 years of age.The most common are a lack of muscle coordination when performing voluntary movements (ataxia); stiff or tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity); walking with one foot or leg dragging; walking on the toes, a crouched gait, or a scissored gait; and muscle tone that is either too stiff or too floppy.Other neurological symptoms that commonly occur in individuals with CP include seizures, hearing loss and impaired vision, bladder and bowel control issues, and pain and abnormal sensations. A small number of children have CP as the result of brain damage in the first few months or years of life, brain infections such as bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis, or head injury from a motor vehicle accident, a fall, or child abuse. The disorder isn't progressive, meaning that the brain damage typically doesn't get worse over time. Risk factors associated with CP do not cause the disorder but can increase a child's chance of being born with the disorder.CP is not hereditary.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy cant be cured, but treatment will often improve a child's capabilities. In general, the earlier treatment begins the better chance children have of overcoming developmental disabilities or learning new ways to accomplish the tasks that challenge them.Early intervention, supportive treatments, medications, and surgery can help many individuals improve their muscle control. Treatment may include physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, drugs to control seizures, relax muscle spasms, and alleviate pain; surgery to correct anatomical abnormalities or release tight muscles; braces and other orthotic devices; wheelchairs and rolling walkers; and communication aids such as computers with attached voice synthesizers.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy cant be cured, but treatment will often improve a child's capabilities. In general, the earlier treatment begins the better chance children have of overcoming developmental disabilities or learning new ways to accomplish the tasks that challenge them.Early intervention, supportive treatments, medications, and surgery can help many individuals improve their muscle control. Treatment may include physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, drugs to control seizures, relax muscle spasms, and alleviate pain; surgery to correct anatomical abnormalities or release tight muscles; braces and other orthotic devices; wheelchairs and rolling walkers; and communication aids such as computers with attached voice synthesizers.
Definition
The term cerebral palsy refers to a group of neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement, muscle coordination, and balance.CP affects the part of the brain that controls muscle movements. The majority of children with cerebral palsy are born with it, although it may not be detected until months or years later.The early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before a child reaches 3 years of age.The most common are a lack of muscle coordination when performing voluntary movements (ataxia); stiff or tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity); walking with one foot or leg dragging; walking on the toes, a crouched gait, or a scissored gait; and muscle tone that is either too stiff or too floppy.Other neurological symptoms that commonly occur in individuals with CP include seizures, hearing loss and impaired vision, bladder and bowel control issues, and pain and abnormal sensations. A small number of children have CP as the result of brain damage in the first few months or years of life, brain infections such as bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis, or head injury from a motor vehicle accident, a fall, or child abuse. The disorder isn't progressive, meaning that the brain damage typically doesn't get worse over time. Risk factors associated with CP do not cause the disorder but can increase a child's chance of being born with the disorder.CP is not hereditary.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy cant be cured, but treatment will often improve a child's capabilities. In general, the earlier treatment begins the better chance children have of overcoming developmental disabilities or learning new ways to accomplish the tasks that challenge them.Early intervention, supportive treatments, medications, and surgery can help many individuals improve their muscle control. Treatment may include physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, drugs to control seizures, relax muscle spasms, and alleviate pain; surgery to correct anatomical abnormalities or release tight muscles; braces and other orthotic devices; wheelchairs and rolling walkers; and communication aids such as computers with attached voice synthesizers.
Prognosis
Cerebral palsy doesnt always cause profound disabilities and for most people with CP the disorder does not affect life expectancy. Many children with CP have average to above average intelligence and attend the same schools as other children their age. Supportive treatments, medications, and surgery can help many individuals improve their motor skills and ability to communicate with the world..While one child with CP might not require special assistance, a child with severe CP might be unable to walk and need extensive, lifelong care.
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Prognosis
Cerebral palsy doesnt always cause profound disabilities and for most people with CP the disorder does not affect life expectancy. Many children with CP have average to above average intelligence and attend the same schools as other children their age. Supportive treatments, medications, and surgery can help many individuals improve their motor skills and ability to communicate with the world..While one child with CP might not require special assistance, a child with severe CP might be unable to walk and need extensive, lifelong care.
Prognosis
Cerebral palsy doesnt always cause profound disabilities and for most people with CP the disorder does not affect life expectancy. Many children with CP have average to above average intelligence and attend the same schools as other children their age. Supportive treatments, medications, and surgery can help many individuals improve their motor skills and ability to communicate with the world..While one child with CP might not require special assistance, a child with severe CP might be unable to walk and need extensive, lifelong care.
Definition
The term cerebral palsy refers to a group of neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement, muscle coordination, and balance.CP affects the part of the brain that controls muscle movements. The majority of children with cerebral palsy are born with it, although it may not be detected until months or years later.The early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before a child reaches 3 years of age.The most common are a lack of muscle coordination when performing voluntary movements (ataxia); stiff or tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity); walking with one foot or leg dragging; walking on the toes, a crouched gait, or a scissored gait; and muscle tone that is either too stiff or too floppy.Other neurological symptoms that commonly occur in individuals with CP include seizures, hearing loss and impaired vision, bladder and bowel control issues, and pain and abnormal sensations. A small number of children have CP as the result of brain damage in the first few months or years of life, brain infections such as bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis, or head injury from a motor vehicle accident, a fall, or child abuse. The disorder isn't progressive, meaning that the brain damage typically doesn't get worse over time. Risk factors associated with CP do not cause the disorder but can increase a child's chance of being born with the disorder.CP is not hereditary.
Treatment
Cerebral palsy cant be cured, but treatment will often improve a child's capabilities. In general, the earlier treatment begins the better chance children have of overcoming developmental disabilities or learning new ways to accomplish the tasks that challenge them.Early intervention, supportive treatments, medications, and surgery can help many individuals improve their muscle control. Treatment may include physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, drugs to control seizures, relax muscle spasms, and alleviate pain; surgery to correct anatomical abnormalities or release tight muscles; braces and other orthotic devices; wheelchairs and rolling walkers; and communication aids such as computers with attached voice synthesizers.
Prognosis
Cerebral palsy doesnt always cause profound disabilities and for most people with CP the disorder does not affect life expectancy. Many children with CP have average to above average intelligence and attend the same schools as other children their age. Supportive treatments, medications, and surgery can help many individuals improve their motor skills and ability to communicate with the world..While one child with CP might not require special assistance, a child with severe CP might be unable to walk and need extensive, lifelong care.
What research is being done?
Researchers supported by the NINDS are investigating the roles of mishaps early in brain development, including genetic defects, which are sometimes responsible for the brain malformations and abnormalities that result in cerebral palsy.Scientists are also looking at traumatic events in newborn babies brains, such as bleeding, epileptic seizures, and breathing and circulation problems, which can cause the abnormal release of chemicals that trigger the kind of damage that causes cerebral palsy. NINDS-supported researchers also hope to find ways to prevent white matter disease, the most common cause of cerebral palsy. To make sure children are getting the right kinds of therapies, studies are also being done that evaluate both experimental treatments and treatments already in use so that physicians and parents have valid information to help them choose the best therapy.
Information from the National Library of Medicines MedlinePlusCerebral Palsy
Patient Organizations
Cerebral Palsy Foundation
3 Columbus Circle, 15th Floor
New York
NY
New York, NY 10019
Tel: 212-520-1686
Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Assocn. (CHASA)
4101 West Green Oaks Blvd., Ste. 305
PMB 149
Arlington
TX
Arlington, TX 76016
Tel: 817-492-4325
Easter Seals
233 South Wacker Drive
Suite 2400
Chicago
IL
Chicago, IL 60606
Tel: 312-726-6200; 800-221-6827
March of Dimes
1275 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains
NY
White Plains, NY 10605
Tel: 914-997-4488; 888-MODIMES (663-4637)
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
31 Center Drive, Rm. 2A32 MSC 2425
Bethesda
MD
Bethesda, MD 20892-2425
Tel: 301-496-5133
Pathways.org
150 N. Michigan Avenue
Suite 2100
Chicago
IL
Chicago, IL 60601
Tel: 800-955-CHILD (2445)
Pedal-with-Pete Foundation [for Research on Cerebral Palsy]
P.O. Box 1233
Worthington
OH
Worthington, OH 43085
Tel: 614-527-0202
Pediatric Brain Foundation (formerly Children's Neurobiological Solutions)
2144 E. Republic Road
Building B, Suite 202
Springfield
MO
Springfield, MO 65804
Tel: (417)887-4242
Reaching for the Stars
3000 Old Alabama Road
Suite 119 300
Alpharetta
GA
Alpharetta, GA 30022
Tel: 855-240-7387
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)
1825 K St NW
Suite 600
Washington
DC
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: 202-776-0406; 800-USA-5UCP (872-5827)
Publications
See the original post:
Cerebral Palsy Information Page | National Institute of ...
- Man With Cerebral Palsy Imitates Michael Phelps Rule Yourself Video - SwimSwam [Last Updated On: March 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 24th, 2017]
- Baby Connor McCue diagnosed with cerebral palsy - months after successful liver transplant - Stoke Sentinel [Last Updated On: March 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 24th, 2017]
- Fundraiser for local teacher with cerebral palsy takes off - Longview Daily News [Last Updated On: March 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 24th, 2017]
- Rockford athlete with cerebral palsy trains for IRONMAN World ... - Fox17 [Last Updated On: March 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 24th, 2017]
- Andrew Spencer: Norwood teen with cerebral palsy found safe after ... - WCPO [Last Updated On: March 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 24th, 2017]
- I'm Celebrating Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month For the First Time ... - TeenVogue.com [Last Updated On: March 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 24th, 2017]
- Cerebral palsy Overview - Mayo Clinic [Last Updated On: March 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 24th, 2017]
- Local 22-year-old girl with Cerebral Palsy to get free chair lift - 13newsnow.com [Last Updated On: March 25th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 25th, 2017]
- Missing 13-year-old with cerebral palsy found safe - WLWT.com - WLWT Cincinnati [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2017]
- Cerebral Palsy | The Mighty [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2017]
- Cerebral Palsy Overview - Cerebal Palsy Guidance [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2017]
- Cerebral Palsy Group Support and Resources for Cerebral Palsy [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2017]
- Teen with cerebral palsy earns spot in state finals for track and field - 7News - WSVN-TV [Last Updated On: March 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2017]
- Parma mother of child with Cerebral Palsy gets unexplainable water and sewer bills - newsnet5.com [Last Updated On: March 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2017]
- Living with cerebral palsy - TheChronicleHerald.ca [Last Updated On: March 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 28th, 2017]
- Cerebral palsy couldn't stop Gillian from finishing eight remarkable races - Belfast Telegraph [Last Updated On: March 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 28th, 2017]
- Life's Equation Book Signing for National Cerebral Palsy Month - FOX31 Denver [Last Updated On: March 28th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 28th, 2017]
- Montrose cerebral palsy sufferer reaches impasse with Angus Council - Montrose Review [Last Updated On: March 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 30th, 2017]
- Living with cerebral palsy, he's also become 'The Dude': a food critic - MyAJC [Last Updated On: March 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 30th, 2017]
- uOttawa students engineer foot-controlled TV converter for man with ... - Ottawa Citizen [Last Updated On: March 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 30th, 2017]
- Cerebral palsy children's home receives a face-lift - Rising Sun Overport [Last Updated On: March 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 30th, 2017]
- Youngstown news, Taekwondo helps 13-year-old with cerebral palsy - Youngstown Vindicator [Last Updated On: March 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 30th, 2017]
- Man born with Cerebral Palsy thanks Michael Phelps for teaching ... - WOTV4women.com [Last Updated On: March 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 30th, 2017]
- Cavs ticket winner gives prize to 10-year-old with cerebral palsy - fox8.com [Last Updated On: March 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 30th, 2017]
- 12-Year-Old with Cerebral Palsy Meets His 'Hero' John Cena: 'My Heart Melts,' Says Dad - PEOPLE.com [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2017]
- Norfolk family's video of son with cerebral palsy goes viral - 13newsnow.com [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2017]
- Milton Boxer With Cerebral Palsy Remains Undefeated - CBS Boston / WBZ [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2017] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2017]
- Chase High hosts Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day | News ... - The Daily Courier [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2017]
- 'That Stroller Is Peyton's Life,' Special Wheelchair Stolen From Girl With Cerebral Palsy - CBS New York [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2017]
- John Cena meets 12-year-old fan with cerebral palsy - My Fox Boston [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2017]
- Cerebral Palsy - Cerebral Palsy [Last Updated On: April 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 1st, 2017]
- Blazing New Trails: Updates in the Care of Children with Cerebral Palsy - Wayne County Journal Banner [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2017]
- Cerebal Palsy An Overview of Symptoms, Causes, and ... [Last Updated On: April 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 2nd, 2017]
- John Cena meets 12-year-old fan with cerebral palsy - WPXI Pittsburgh [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2017]
- Tri-Cities 12-year-old with cerebral palsy meets his hero, John Cena - WJHL [Last Updated On: April 3rd, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 3rd, 2017]
- Cord blood stem cells offer promising treatments for Cerebral Palsy [Last Updated On: April 4th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 4th, 2017]
- This 3-Year-Old With Cerebral Palsy Is Spreading Awareness In Style - Huffington Post [Last Updated On: April 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2017]
- Govt Urged to Make Special Provision for Children with Cerebral Palsy - THISDAY Newspapers [Last Updated On: April 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2017]
- Topsham student with cerebral palsy launches road race - The Forecaster [Last Updated On: April 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2017]
- Students design 'Chandler's Chariot' for boy with cerebral palsy - WBAL Baltimore [Last Updated On: April 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2017]
- WWE star John Cena surprises young fan with cerebral palsy in heartwarming video - Globalnews.ca [Last Updated On: April 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2017]
- Cerebral Palsy (Center for Cerebral Palsy) | Gillette ... [Last Updated On: April 5th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 5th, 2017]
- 'Cerebral palsy will never stop me from being successful' - Evening Telegraph [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2017]
- Otte student proposes cerebral palsy awareness event | Local News ... - Blair Enterprise Publishing [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2017]
- Cobb trampoline park adds events for those with autism, cerebral ... - Atlanta Journal Constitution [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2017]
- The Heart of a Champion: Riverside student battling cerebral palsy gets surprise of a lifetime - San Benito News [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- Princeton Ethics Professor Defends Woman Convicted of Raping ... - Christian News Network [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- Nine-year-old cerebral palsy patient is guest of honour at unveiling of Co-op revamp - Nottingham Post [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- Perth woman with cerebral palsy faces losing driver's licence after 36 years - ABC Online [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- Cerebral palsy may be linked to birth weight - Independent Online [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- Cerebral Palsy's Kate Laver tennis invitational - The Desert Sun [Last Updated On: April 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 8th, 2017]
- Gurgaon: Doctors come together to treat Cerebral Palsy in children ... - Hindustan Times [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2017]
- Teen takes best friend with Cerebral Palsy to prom - Story | WNYW - Fox5NY [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2017]
- No compensation for girl left with cerebral palsy in 'tragic' home birth ... - Echo [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2017]
- No compensation for girl left with cerebral palsy in 'tragic' home birth as top judge rules midwives 'could not have ... - Echo [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2017]
- Man with cerebral palsy is memorable in more ways than 1 ... - Washington Times [Last Updated On: April 12th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 12th, 2017]
- White Sox announcer gives play-by-play on finding success with ... - CNN [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2017]
- Grandmother takes on epic Everest trek for grandson with cerebral palsy - Taranaki Daily News [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2017]
- Rare surgery helps kids with cerebral palsy walk - KHOU [Last Updated On: April 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 15th, 2017]
- Princeton Ethics Professor Defends Woman Convicted of Raping Man With Cerebral Palsy - GOPUSA [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2017]
- Parents promote partial OHIP funded life changing cerebral palsy U.S. surgery - insideTORONTO.com [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2017]
- Cerebral palsy girl Molly Grace helped in Facebook appeal - BBC ... - BBC News [Last Updated On: April 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 16th, 2017]
- Students create cerebral palsy toothbrush - Bangalore Mirror [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2017]
- Dad's Facebook Appeal To Find Feeding Tube For Daughter With Cerebral Palsy Is Huge Success - Huffington Post UK [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2017]
- Cerebral Palsy can't stop me from surfing - News24 [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2017]
- Heartland man with cerebral palsy inspires others in his quest to walk - WOWT [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2017]
- Derby-themed party races to help cure cerebral palsy - MDJOnline.com [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2017]
- Five-year-old with cerebral palsy making strides thanks to surgery in Ohio - WKEF ABC 22 [Last Updated On: April 20th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 20th, 2017]
- Greek Week Raises Over $50,000 for Cerebral Palsy Awareness - University of Miami [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2017]
- 5-year-old girl with cerebral palsy takes her first steps thanks to miracle surgery - AOL [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2017]
- Wellington Rotary Club to post Outrun Cerebral Palsy 5K - Palm Beach Post (blog) [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2017]
- Surgical Procedure Can Reduce Pain, Improve Mobility For Children With Cerebral Palsy - CBS New York [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2017]
- Amazing Women Series: Mother in 'constant awe' of triplets - Canadian Jewish News (blog) [Last Updated On: April 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 24th, 2017]
- 1st annual Madoc walk for cerebral palsy - www.insidebelleville.com/ [Last Updated On: April 24th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 24th, 2017]
- Willard senior with cerebral palsy to compete in national speech tournament - Springfield News-Leader [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2017]
- Meet Dr Amitabh Mehrotra, who defeated cerebral palsy to start a school for children with disabilities in Lucknow - YourStory.com [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2017]
- Watch Marijuana Help This Girl With Cerebral Palsy And Autism - The Fresh Toast [Last Updated On: April 26th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 26th, 2017]
- Young N. Idaho inventors adapt car for child with cerebral palsy ... - KTVB [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2017]
- Patrick Barden set to complete London marathon with cerebral palsy - Metro [Last Updated On: April 27th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 27th, 2017]
- Cerebral Palsy sufferer, Patrick Barden, from Shorne, completes London Marathon - Kent Online [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2017]