Introduction
Cerebral palsy is a term that encompasses a range of disorders that affect the body’s balance, movement and posture. Cerebral palsy is caused by abnormal development or damage in one or more parts of the brain that control muscle tone and motor activity (movement). This loss or deficiency of motor control refers to the generation and coordination of movement patterns that either stabilise or control the body, and often result in involuntary spasms. Impairments to motor control are caused by permanent brain damage, which is usually arises during pregnancy or shortly after birth. This means that symptoms of the condition usually begin to appear in the first stages of a child’s life, such as in infancy or early childhood. For example, infants with cerebral palsy will often be slower at achieving key developmental milestones (rolling over, sitting, crawling, and walking) than children without the condition.
Cerebral palsy affects both sexes and all ethnic groups, and its prevalence appears to be increasing, which is thought to be due to an increase in the survival of premature babies. In the United States, approximately one million people suffer from the condition, which also manifests in 2-3 out of every 1000 children. Individuals with cerebral palsy often require a large amount of care, which is often a combination of medication and physical or occupational therapy. The disabilities associated with cerebral palsy can sometimes be correct by surgery to improve dexterity and muscle control, and help to control involuntary spasms or seizures.