What Is Cerebral Palsy?

 

Athetoid cerebral palsy affects around 10 - 20% of patients and involves loss of control of movement and posture.  Ataxic cerebral palsy is rare and affects balance.  The most common causes of cerebal palsey are the result of the failure of part of the motor area of the brain to develop before birth or in the early years of life.  Causes can be hard to identify and possible factors involved can include infection during pregnancy or lack of oxygen during delivery.

 

Cerebral palsy treatment depends on the individual and the severity of symptoms.  For example, medication can help to control seizures and muscle spasms in some people.  Cerebral palsey is a chronic disorder in which brain impairment will not change over time, but physical ability and function may be affected by developmental changes.  There is no cure for CP but therapy can help people lead a full life.