Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy or CP is the most common childhood physical disability. It is a permanent physical condition that affects movement. The incidence in developed countries is approximately 2 - 2.5 per 1000 live births. Incidence has not declined over the last 60 years despite medical advances like electro-fetal monitoring. Cerebral palsy is an "umbrella term" in that it refers to a group of different conditions. It has been suggested that no two people with CP are alike even if they have the same diagnosis. Cerebral palsy can occur during pregnancy (~75%), at birth (~5%) or after birth (~15%). 80% of causes are unknown. For the small number where cause is known this can include infections, lack of iodine and significant head injury in very early childhood. Cerebral palsy is not a progressive disorder. A person with the disorder may improve somewhat during childhood, if he or she receives extensive care from specialists. While the brain injury is non-progressive, evidence suggests that functional decline occurs in persons with CP in adulthood. The treatment is usually symptomatic and focuses on helping the person to develop as many motor skills as possible or to learn how to compensate for the lack of them. The disorder does not affect the expected length of life so treatment focuses on quality of life issues.

• United Cerebral Palsy takes as its mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through an affiliate network.
• Cerebral Palsy: Hope through Research. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, provides this site full of information on Cerebral Palsy.

Last modified: 2006-10-18