Cerebral palsy is a disability that results from damage to the brain prior to birth, during birth, or shortly after birth (during the first two or three years of life). Observable characteristics of this damage include difficulty controlling and coordinating voluntary muscles, involuntary spasms, and speech disturbances. Due to variations, such as the area and severity, in the damage to the brain, there are many different forms of this disability.
Some Possible Characteristics
Difficulty controlling and coordinating voluntary muscles
Muscle tightness
Involuntary spasms
Convulsive spasms
Speech disturbances
Emotional impairment
Visual impairment
Hearing impairment
Degree of mental retardation
Some Possible Causes
Disease
Premature and/or extremely low birth weight
Blood or oxygen deficiency during, or before, birth
Physical injury or abuse
Maternal factors: pregnancy complications, smoking, alcohol or drug consumption
Serious infection
Prevention
During pregnancy—get regular health care, proper nutrition, don’t smoke, and avoid harmful substances.
After birth—a child should receive immunizations and necessary health care, take precautions to avoid serious physical injuries, avoid contact with others with contagious illness, and learn warning signs for serious illness.
Prognosis and Therapy
People with cerebral palsy usually have a normal life span, although some with severe forms of the disability have a reduced life span. There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but a variety of treatments are available. Special devices or equipment, such as wheelchairs or braces, aid in some cases. Common treatments include physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychotherapy, speech therapy, and/or medication. A physician may also recommend surgery.