• History of Cerebral Palsy
• Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy
• Prevention of Cerebral Palsy
• Treatment of Cerebral Palsy
• Prognosis of Cerebral Palsy
• Cerebral Palsy Research
• Cerebral Palsy Causes
• Types of Cerebral Palsy
• Cerebral Palsy FAQ

Cerebral Palsy Introduction

Cerebral Palsy is a term used to describe a group of chronic conditions affecting body movement and muscle coordination caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain and usually occurring during fetal development and the birthing process in addition to possibly occuring during infant development.

Cerebral Palsy is not caused by problems in the muscles or nerves but instead by faulty development or damage to the motor areas in the brain that disrupts the ability of the brain to control muscle movement.

"Cerebral" refers to the brain and "palsy" to muscle weakness/poor control. Cerebral palsy itself is not progressive, thus does not get worse over time, however, conditions such as muscle spasticity can develop which may get better over time, get worse over time, or remain the same.

Cerebral Palsy is not communicable. It is not a disease and should not be referred to as such. Although cerebral palsy is not "curable" in the accepted sense, training and therapy treatments can help improve function.

Cerebral palsy is a 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. Thus, these disorders are not caused by problems in the muscles or nerves. Instead, faulty development or damage to motor areas in the brain disrupt the brain's ability to adequately control movement and posture.

"Cerebral" refers to the brain and "palsy" to muscle weakness/poor control. Cerebral palsy itself 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. Cerebral palsy is not communicable. It is not a disease and should not be referred to as such. Although cerebral palsy is not "curable" in the accepted sense, training and therapy can help improve function.

Symptoms of Cerebral Palsy range in severity. Some individuals might have difficulty with fine motor tasks such as writing while others might experience trouble maintaining balance and walking. Involuntary movements such as uncontrollable motions of the hands or drooling might affect others. Cerebral Palsy does not always cause significant handicaps.

Medical mistakes during the labor and delivery process are to blame for thousands of cases of Cerebral Palsy. These mistakes occur when a health care professional fails to adequately assess the situation and act in a way consistent with accepted standards of practice.

Unfortunately, many parents don't realize that their healthcare provider might be to blame for their child's injuries and continuing special needs. Instead, parents often blame themselves, questioning what they did wrong, rather than seeking the answers and compensation they deserve. If your child suffers from Cerebral Palsy, injury during the birthing process might be to blame. For more information about your rights, contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey H. Rasansky.

Useful Cerebral Palsy Resources

United Cerebral Palsy Association
1-800-USA-5UCP (872-5827)

MedLine Plus Encyclopedia: Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy: Hope Through Research

Special Children's Glossary: What you need to know about Cerebral Palsy

American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM)

HemiKids - Network of Children with Spastic Hemiplegic CP

Cerebral Palsy and Deaf Organization