Cerebral Palsy

A central nervous system impairment that is characterized by an inability to fully control motor function and, depending on the area of the brain that has been damaged, by one or more of the following: spasms; tonal problems; involuntary movement; disturbances in gait and mobility; seizures; abnormal sensation and perception; impairment of sight, hearing or speech; and intellectual disabilities. There are three main types of cerebral palsy: spastic CP, which is characterized by stiff and difficult movement; athetoid CP (also called dyskinetic CP), which is characterized by involuntary and uncontrolled movement; and mixed CP, which is characterized by a combination of symptoms. Some muscles are too tight, and others are too loose, creating a mix of stiffness and involuntary movements. The causes of cerebral palsy include illness during pregnancy, premature delivery and lack of oxygen supply to the baby. In rare cases of acquired cerebral palsy, head injury is the most common cause.