Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy: A brief overview
Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects muscle control and movement. Cerebral palsy is described as “a group of disorders that affect, the development of movement and posture, which limit activity”. It's usually caused by an injury to the brain before, during or after birth. Children with cerebral palsy have difficulties in controlling muscles and movements as they grow and develop. Cerebral Palsy is often found to have accompanying impairments.
Damage to the brain does not progress during the child’s life, although because damage occurred while the brain developed, the movement and posture can change along with the effect on the child and into adulthood.
Common Movement Disorder
- Spastic Hypertonus
- Ataxia
- Athetosis
- Hypotonia
Variation Affecting Parts of the Body
- Diplegia
- Quadriplegia
- Hemiplegia
Organisations Supporting Children with Cerebral Palsy and their Families
Bobath Centre for Children with Cerebral Palsy