According to the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, cerebral palsy is a term used for numerous neurological disorders that first become visible in early childhood or infancy and affect body movements and muscle coordination. These symptoms do not get worse over time.
Cause
Despite muscle movement being affected, cerebral palsy is not caused by a problem in muscles or nerves, but problems in the parts of the brain that control these muscle movements. A minority of children have cerebral palsy from brain damage early in life, brain infections or a traumatic head injury.
Symptoms
Despite the fact that many children with cerebral palsy are born with the disorder, symptoms of cerebral palsy may not appear until much later. The early symptoms typically become visible before a child turns three years old. Typical symptoms include stiff or tight muscles, exaggerated reflexes, stiff or floppy muscle tone and a lack of muscle coordination.
Features
Not all individuals with cerebral palsy have noticeable disabilities. Some children with the disorder may need extensive assistance, while others may not need any assistance and not appear affected at all.
Treatment
There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but children with the disorder benefit greatly from various therapies, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medication to stop seizures or relieve pain, surgery to correct tight muscles, orthotic devices or braces, wheelchairs or walkers or communication aids like computers.
Famous Ties
Famous people with cerebral palsy include actress Geri Jewell ("The Facts of Life," "Deadwood"), comic Chris Fonseca and Irish poet and writer Christopher Nolan.
