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Cerebral PalsyTable of Contents (click to jump to sections)What is Cerebral Palsy? Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? Organizations Publicaciones en Español Additional resources from MEDLINEplus What is Cerebral Palsy? The term cerebral palsy refers to any one of a number of neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement and muscle coordination but don’t worsen over time. Even though cerebral palsy affects muscle movement, it isn’t caused by problems in the muscles or nerves. It is caused by abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscle movements. The majority of children with cerebral palsy are born with it, although it may not be detected until months or years later. The early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before a child reaches 3 years of age. The most common are a lack of muscle coordination when performing voluntary movements (ataxia); stiff or tight muscles and exaggerated reflexes (spasticity); walking with one foot or leg dragging; walking on the toes, a crouched gait, or a “scissored” gait; and muscle tone that is either too stiff or too floppy. A small number of children have cerebral palsy as the result of brain damage in the first few months or years of life, brain infections such as bacterial meningitis or viral encephalitis, or head injury from a motor vehicle accident, a fall, or child abuse. Is there any treatment? Cerebral palsy can’t be cured, but treatment will often improve a child's capabilities. Many children go on to enjoy near-normal
adult lives if their disabilities are properly managed. In general, the earlier treatment begins the better chance children
have of overcoming developmental disabilities or learning new ways to accomplish the tasks that challenge them. Treatment
may include physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy, drugs to control seizures, relax muscle spasms, and alleviate
pain; surgery to correct anatomical abnormalities or release tight muscles; braces and other orthotic devices; wheelchairs
and rolling walkers; and communication aids such as computers with attached voice synthesizers.
What is the prognosis? Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Prepared by: NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history. All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated. Last updated July 13, 2007 This information has been provided by The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). |