Going Back to Basics about Cerebral Palsy
How well do you understand Cerebral Palsy? Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition caused by injury to the parts of the brain that control our ability to use our muscles and bodies. Cerebral means having to do with the brain. Palsy means problems with using the muscles. Often the injury happens before birth, sometimes during delivery, or soon after being born. Physical symptoms typically appear in the first few years of life hence the need of early intervention. Infants with cerebral palsy are frequently slow to reach developmental milestones such as learning to roll over, sit, crawl, smile, or walk. CP can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild CP may mean a child is clumsy, moderate CP may mean the child walks with a limp or may need a special leg brace or a cane. More severe CP can affect all parts of a child’s physical abilities. A child with moderate or severe CP may have to use a wheelchair and other special equipment. Sometimes children with CP can also have learning problems, sp