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Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and to maintain balance and posture. The disorders appear in the first few years of life. Usually they do not get worse over time. People with cerebral palsy may have difficulty walking. They may also have trouble with tasks such as writing or using scissors. Some have other medical conditions, including seizure disorders or mental impairment.
Cerebral palsy happens when the areas of the brain that control movement and posture do not develop correctly or get damaged. Early signs of cerebral palsy usually appear before 3 years of age. Babies with cerebral palsy are often slow to roll over, sit, crawl, smile or walk. Some babies are born with cerebral palsy; others get it after they are born.
There is no cure for cerebral palsy, but treatment can improve the lives of those who have it. Treatment includes medicines, braces, and physical, occupational and speech therapy.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
'''Cerebral palsy''' or '''CP''' is a group of permanent disorders associated with developmental brain injury that occur during fetus development, Childbirth, or shortly after birth. It is characterized by a disruption of motor skills, with symptoms such as spasticity, paralysis, or seizures. Cerebral palsy is a form of '''static encephalopathy'''. One form of it, spastic diplegia, is sometimes known as '''Little's disease''' in the United Kingdom. Properly speaking, the fact that CP does not get better or worse implies that it is a 'condition' (chronic nonprogressive neurological disorder) rather than a 'disease.' The incidence is about 1.5 to 4 per 1000 live births. There is no cure, but therapy has been shown to be helpful in the maintainance of motor functions. While severity varies widely, cerebral palsy ranks among the most costly congenital conditions to manage. Cerebral palsy develops while the brain is under development. 80% of all cases occur before the baby reaches 1 month old, however this disorder can occur within about the first 5 years of life. It is a nonprogressive disorder; once damage to the brain occurs, no additional damage occurs as a result of this condition. Cerebral palsy neither improves nor worsens, though symptoms may seem to increase with time, likely due to the aging process.
King Gimp - Documents the life of Dan Keplinger, who is afflicted with cerebral palsy. Synopsis, artwork, filmmaker details, and image gallery.
The Paul Smith Foundation - A site about Paul Smith, a man with cerebral palsy who creates art with a typewriter.
Montford, Sandra-Leigh - New Zealander Sandra-Leigh Montford was born with cerebral palsy. At the age of ten she decided to be a poet. Includes biographical note and poems.
Altimate Medical - Standers and mobility aids for persons with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, and multiple sclerosis.
Augmentative Resources - Augmentative and Alternative AAC Communication books and Velcro displays for use with picture symbols/objects. Products for Children/Adults with Autism, Cerebral Palsy or Dysarthria.
Healthy All Over, ltd - Video exercise programs for aerobics, special developmental disabilities, mental retardation, down syndrome, and mild cerebral palsy.
Todd Smith - Learn to overcome negative attitudes in everyday situations with someone who has lived with cerebral palsy since birth. Based in Colorado.
Jerry Traylor - Has run across America on crutches due to cerebral palsy. He has spoken to over 1 million individuals. Been recognized by Paul Harvey, President Reagan and Dr. Norman Vincent Peale.
Ocean Hyperbaric Center - Multi disciplinary brain repair center specializing in the neurological applications of hyperbaric oxygenation for conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke, coma, and traumatic brain injury. (Florida)
National Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - Provide services to patients with paralysis associated with prior strokes, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis. Also patients with diabetic foot ulcers, poor healing wounds, diabetic peripheral neuropathy and recent skin grafts or plastic surgery.